CVE-2018-17895 in LAquis SCADA
Summary
by MITRE
LAquis SCADA Versions 4.1.0.3870 and prior has several out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, which may allow remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17895 affects LAquis SCADA versions 4.1.0.3870 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that exposes industrial control systems to significant remote execution risks. This vulnerability manifests through multiple out-of-bounds read conditions within the software's processing mechanisms, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to compromise industrial environments. The affected system operates within critical infrastructure sectors where SCADA systems control and monitor industrial processes, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for operational technology security.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the LAquis SCADA application. Out-of-bounds read conditions occur when the software attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, typically resulting from insufficient bounds checking during data processing operations. These memory access violations can be exploited by remote attackers who craft malicious inputs designed to trigger the specific buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, enabling them to exploit the flaw from external network locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-17895 extends beyond simple data corruption or application crashes, as it potentially enables full remote code execution capabilities within the targeted industrial control environment. This means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to install malicious software, modify operational parameters, or disrupt critical industrial processes that rely on the SCADA system for monitoring and control functions. The implications are particularly severe in sectors such as power generation, water treatment, manufacturing, and other critical infrastructure domains where SCADA systems form the backbone of operational control and safety mechanisms.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a direct threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of industrial control systems. The attack surface is broad as the vulnerability affects multiple components within the LAquis SCADA framework, potentially allowing for privilege escalation and persistent access to critical industrial processes. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, deploying intrusion detection systems, and ensuring proper patch management protocols are in place to mitigate the risk. The vulnerability also intersects with ATT&CK techniques related to remote code execution and privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for industrial cybersecurity frameworks and compliance requirements.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch deployment for all affected LAquis SCADA installations, implementation of network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns, and establishment of secure remote access protocols for system maintenance. Organizations must also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their industrial control environments to identify additional vulnerabilities that may exist within their broader operational technology infrastructure. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should be implemented to maintain ongoing security posture assessment and ensure that all industrial control systems remain protected against similar exploitation vectors.