CVE-2018-19011 in CX-Supervisor
Summary
by MITRE
CX-Supervisor (Versions 3.42 and prior) can execute code that has been injected into a project file. An attacker could exploit this to execute code under the privileges of the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2020
CVE-2018-19011 represents a critical code execution vulnerability affecting CX-Supervisor versions 3.42 and earlier, classified under CWE-94 - Improper Control of Generation of Code. This vulnerability arises from the software's failure to properly validate and sanitize project files that contain user-defined code or scripts. The flaw allows an attacker to inject malicious code into project files which are subsequently executed by the supervisor application with the same privileges as the running process. This creates a severe privilege escalation scenario where an attacker can potentially gain full system access depending on the privileges under which CX-Supervisor operates.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the project file parsing process. When CX-Supervisor loads project files, it does not adequately verify the integrity or safety of the code contained within these files, enabling arbitrary code execution through crafted project data. The attack vector typically involves an attacker gaining access to the system or network to upload a malicious project file, which when processed by the vulnerable supervisor application triggers the execution of malicious payloads. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of code through legitimate system processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-19011 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the system. Depending on the privileges of the CX-Supervisor process, this could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in industrial control systems or automation environments where CX-Supervisor is commonly deployed, as it could potentially disrupt critical operations or provide access to sensitive infrastructure. The lack of proper sandboxing or code isolation mechanisms in the vulnerable versions means that any malicious code injected into project files executes with full system privileges, making this a high-severity threat.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19011 require immediate patching of CX-Supervisor to versions 3.43 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement strict access controls and file validation mechanisms to prevent unauthorized project file modifications. Network segmentation and monitoring should be deployed to detect unusual project file access patterns or execution activities. Additionally, privilege separation should be enforced to ensure that CX-Supervisor operates with minimal required privileges rather than administrative rights. Security awareness training for personnel who manage project files is essential to prevent social engineering attacks that might lead to unauthorized code injection. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in applications that process user-supplied data or configuration files, aligning with industry standards that emphasize the need for proper code sanitization and execution environment isolation.