CVE-2018-19008 in CP400 Panel Builder
Summary
by MITRE
The TextEditor 2.0 in ABB CP400 Panel Builder versions 2.0.7.05 and earlier contain a vulnerability in the file parser of the Text Editor wherein the application doesn't properly prevent the insertion of specially crafted files which could allow arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19008 resides within the TextEditor component of ABB CP400 Panel Builder software version 2.0.7.05 and earlier releases. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the application's file handling mechanisms and exposes systems to potential exploitation. The affected software is commonly used in industrial control environments for programming and configuring panel interfaces, making it a significant target for attackers seeking to compromise operational technology infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically impacts the file parser functionality within the TextEditor module, which processes various file formats during normal operation. This flaw allows malicious actors to craft specially formatted files that bypass normal validation checks and are subsequently processed by the application.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper file handling within the TextEditor's parsing logic. When the application processes text files, it fails to adequately sanitize or validate the file content before insertion into the system. This inadequate validation creates a path for arbitrary code execution through the manipulation of file formats that should be harmless. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to inject malicious code into the system through what appears to be legitimate file processing operations. The vulnerability can be exploited by creating specially crafted files that exploit the parser's failure to properly validate file content, potentially enabling attackers to execute code with the privileges of the user running the application. This weakness aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of a code injection vulnerability that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise within industrial control environments. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to critical control systems, potentially leading to disruption of industrial processes, data manipulation, or even physical damage to equipment. The implications are particularly severe in environments where ABB CP400 Panel Builder is used for safety-critical applications, as the vulnerability could be weaponized to cause operational failures or security breaches. Organizations using this software in manufacturing, process control, or other industrial settings face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it provides a pathway for attackers to move laterally within their networks and potentially gain access to other critical systems. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require sophisticated techniques, making it accessible to threat actors with moderate technical capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19008 should prioritize immediate software updates and patches provided by ABB to address the underlying file parsing vulnerability. Organizations must ensure that all instances of ABB CP400 Panel Builder are updated to versions that contain proper input validation and file handling mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the attack surface, particularly for systems that process untrusted files. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable software. Additionally, administrators should implement strict file validation policies and monitor for unusual file processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and validation in industrial control systems, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized code execution, as well as maintaining comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to ensure business continuity in case of successful exploitation.