CVE-2018-14824 in Delta Industrial Automation PMSoft
Summary
by MITRE
Delta Electronics Delta Industrial Automation PMSoft v2.11 or prior has an out-of-bounds read vulnerability that can be executed when processing project files, which may allow an attacker to read confidential information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14824 affects Delta Electronics Delta Industrial Automation PMSoft version 2.11 and earlier, representing a critical out-of-bounds read flaw that poses significant security risks to industrial automation environments. This vulnerability specifically manifests during the processing of project files within the software ecosystem, creating potential entry points for malicious actors seeking to extract sensitive data from affected systems. The nature of this flaw suggests it operates within the software's file parsing mechanisms, where inadequate input validation allows for memory access beyond intended boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking during project file processing operations, which aligns with common software security weaknesses categorized under CWE-129. When PMSoft encounters malformed or specially crafted project files, the application fails to properly validate array indices or buffer limits, leading to unauthorized memory access patterns. This type of out-of-bounds read vulnerability typically occurs when software does not adequately verify the size or content of input data before attempting to access memory locations, creating opportunities for information disclosure attacks. The flaw exists within the industrial automation domain where software reliability and security are paramount for operational continuity and safety.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to gather confidential information that could compromise industrial control systems. In industrial environments, such vulnerabilities may expose system configurations, operational parameters, or other sensitive data that could be leveraged for further attacks or system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that PMSoft is used in industrial automation contexts where system integrity directly impacts physical operations and safety protocols. This vulnerability could enable adversaries to gain insights into system architecture and operational details that might facilitate more sophisticated attacks targeting industrial control systems.
Organizations utilizing Delta Electronics PMSoft software should prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor updates and patches to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to versions of PMSoft that have implemented proper bounds checking mechanisms and input validation controls. Security teams should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected systems while patches are deployed. Additionally, regular security assessments of industrial automation environments should include verification of software versions and implementation of secure coding practices that prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other industrial control system components. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of applying security best practices in industrial environments where traditional cybersecurity measures may not be sufficient to protect against specialized attack vectors targeting operational technology systems.