CVE-2018-18993 in CX-One CX-Programmer
Summary
by MITRE
Two stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities have been discovered in CX-One Versions 4.42 and prior (CX-Programmer Versions 9.66 and prior and CX-Server Versions 5.0.23 and prior). When processing project files, the application allows input data to exceed the buffer. An attacker could use a specially crafted project file to overflow the buffer and execute code under the privileges of the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18993 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting multiple components within the CX-One industrial automation software suite. This encompasses CX-Programmer versions 9.66 and earlier, CX-Server versions 5.0.23 and earlier, along with the broader CX-One platform version 4.42 and prior. The affected software operates within industrial control systems and automation environments where reliability and security are paramount. These applications are commonly deployed in manufacturing and industrial settings where they manage programmable logic controllers and industrial communication protocols, making them attractive targets for adversaries seeking to compromise critical infrastructure operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the project file processing functionality of these industrial applications. When the software encounters project files containing maliciously crafted data, it fails to properly bounds-check the input before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. This fundamental flaw allows attackers to supply input data that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing a stack overflow condition. The overflow occurs in the program's stack memory region where local variables and function call information are stored, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. This memory corruption creates a predictable exploitation vector that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and availability of industrial control systems. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to industrial automation environments, manipulate control logic, disrupt production processes, or even cause physical damage to industrial equipment. The privilege escalation aspect means that successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute code with the same permissions as the legitimate application, which typically includes access to system resources, network communication capabilities, and potentially administrative functions within the industrial network. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where industrial control systems are connected to enterprise networks or where they control critical manufacturing processes.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability across industrial environments. Immediate remediation requires updating to patched versions of CX-One, CX-Programmer, and CX-Server software, as these vendors have released security updates addressing the buffer overflow conditions. Network segmentation strategies should be implemented to isolate industrial control systems from general enterprise networks, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Additionally, implementing strict file validation and access controls on project files can help prevent malicious inputs from reaching the vulnerable processing functions. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly in industrial environments where such attacks are increasingly targeted. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and represents a significant concern for industrial control system security, potentially mapping to ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and execution within operational technology environments.