CVE-2018-19004 in LAquis SCADA
Summary
by MITRE
LCDS Laquis SCADA prior to version 4.1.0.4150 allows out of bounds read when opening a specially crafted project file, which may allow data exfiltration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19004 affects LCDS Laquis SCADA software versions prior to 4.1.0.4150, representing a critical security flaw that could enable unauthorized data access and exfiltration. This issue manifests when the software processes specially crafted project files, creating a scenario where memory access occurs beyond the bounds of allocated buffers. The vulnerability resides within the file parsing mechanism of the SCADA system, specifically in how it handles project file structures that contain malformed or maliciously constructed data elements.
The technical implementation of this out-of-bounds read vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the LCDS Laquis SCADA application. When processing project files, the software fails to properly validate the size and structure of data elements before attempting to read them into memory buffers. This allows an attacker to craft project files containing oversized or malformed data sequences that cause the application to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through file-based attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous in industrial control system environments where SCADA software manages critical infrastructure operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exfiltration to potentially compromise the integrity and availability of industrial control systems. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to sensitive operational data, configuration parameters, and potentially system credentials stored within the memory regions accessed through the out-of-bounds read. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read, which classifies memory access violations that occur when software reads data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory regions. This weakness can lead to information disclosure, system instability, and in severe cases, could provide attackers with insights into system architecture that might facilitate further exploitation.
The threat landscape for this vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial environments where SCADA systems control critical infrastructure such as power grids, water treatment facilities, and manufacturing processes. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract operational data that could be used to understand system behaviors, identify security gaps, or plan more sophisticated attacks against the industrial control systems. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1074.001 Data Staged, as it enables the collection of data from systems before exfiltration, and T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the exploitation could potentially lead to execution of malicious code within the SCADA environment.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to LCDS Laquis SCADA version 4.1.0.4150 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the out-of-bounds read vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of SCADA systems to untrusted network segments, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in industrial control system software development, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize secure coding practices and defense-in-depth strategies to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats.