CVE-2018-17929 in TPEditor
Summary
by MITRE
In Delta Industrial Automation TPEditor, TPEditor Versions 1.90 and prior, multiple stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities may be exploited by processing specially crafted project files lacking user input validation before copying data from project files onto the stack and may allow an attacker to remotely execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17929 affects Delta Industrial Automation TPEditor software versions 1.90 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that exposes users to potential remote code execution attacks. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's project file processing functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the software's behavior through specially crafted project files. The vulnerability specifically manifests as multiple stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when the application handles project files without proper bounds checking, allowing attackers to overwrite stack memory regions and potentially gain unauthorized control over affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to validate user input during project file parsing operations, particularly when copying data from external sources onto the stack. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow condition where insufficient bounds checking enables attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. The flaw operates by exploiting the absence of proper data length validation when processing project files, allowing malicious data payloads to overflow stack buffers and overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control information. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable arbitrary code execution through manipulated program flow.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-17929 extends beyond simple data corruption, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code remotely without requiring authentication or physical access to affected systems. Industrial control systems running vulnerable versions of TPEditor become particularly susceptible to this attack vector since they often operate in networked environments where remote access is common. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is heightened by the fact that project files are typically shared between multiple users and systems, creating numerous attack surfaces where malicious payloads could be introduced. Organizations utilizing Delta's TPEditor software in critical infrastructure environments face significant risk, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of industrial processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to upgrade to patched versions of TPEditor software, as Delta has released updates addressing the buffer overflow conditions. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to affected systems and establish strict file validation policies for project files received from external sources. The implementation of input validation controls and bounds checking mechanisms within the application's file processing pipeline provides additional defense layers. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious file processing activities and implementing regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. Given the industrial control environment typically associated with TPEditor applications, network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that all system components maintain current security patches to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.