CVE-2018-14810 in PI Studio HMI
Summary
by MITRE
WECON Technology Co., Ltd. PI Studio HMI versions 4.1.9 and prior and PI Studio versions 4.2.34 and prior parse files and pass invalidated user data to an unsafe method call, which may allow code to be executed in the context of an administrator.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14810 affects WECON Technology Co., Ltd. PI Studio HMI and PI Studio software versions 4.1.9 and earlier, as well as PI Studio versions 4.2.34 and earlier. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from improper input validation within the file parsing mechanisms of these industrial automation and human machine interface applications. The vulnerability exists in the manner these applications process user-supplied data, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted input files.
The technical flaw manifests when the software parses external files and subsequently passes unvalidated user data to unsafe method calls within the application's execution context. This pattern of operation directly aligns with common software security vulnerabilities classified under CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation" and CWE-78, which covers "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command." The unsafe method calls in question likely involve system command execution or dynamic code loading operations that can be manipulated by attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as successful exploitation allows attackers to execute code in the context of an administrator account. This privilege escalation capability significantly undermines the security posture of industrial control systems that rely on these applications for monitoring and control operations. The implications extend beyond simple code execution, as attackers could potentially gain full system control, modify critical operational parameters, or disrupt industrial processes. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where these HMI applications are used for critical infrastructure monitoring, manufacturing control systems, or process automation where unauthorized access could lead to physical safety risks and operational disruptions.
The attack vector for this vulnerability typically involves an attacker persuading a user to open a maliciously crafted file through social engineering or other means. Once the file is processed, the unsafe parsing and execution chain triggers, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code with administrative privileges. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK techniques categorized under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations using these vulnerable applications should implement immediate mitigations including applying available patches from WECON Technology, implementing strict file access controls, and conducting thorough security assessments of their industrial control environments. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns should also be considered as additional defensive measures to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts.