CVE-2018-19017 in CX-Supervisor
Summary
by MITRE
Several use after free vulnerabilities have been identified in CX-Supervisor (Versions 3.42 and prior). When processing project files, the application fails to check if it is referencing freed memory. An attacker could use a specially crafted project file to exploit and execute code under the privileges of the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-19017 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in CX-Supervisor software versions 3.42 and earlier, constituting a serious security weakness that can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program continues to reference memory locations after they have been freed by the system, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate the application's behavior. The flaw specifically manifests during the processing of project files, where the application fails to properly validate memory references, leading to potential exploitation scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate memory management practices within the CX-Supervisor application. When handling project files, the software does not perform proper validation checks to ensure that memory addresses remain valid before accessing them. This memory management failure creates a use-after-free condition that can be systematically exploited by attackers who craft malicious project files designed to trigger the vulnerable code paths. The vulnerability falls under CWE-416 which specifically addresses the use of freed memory, and aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands through the compromised application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it allows attackers to execute code with the same privileges as the CX-Supervisor application itself. This presents a significant risk to industrial control systems and supervisory control environments where such software is commonly deployed, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure operations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond the simple act of opening a malicious project file, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may inadvertently encounter compromised files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19017 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the memory management flaws, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should also implement strict file validation protocols and restrict the execution of project files from untrusted sources. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, security awareness training for personnel who interact with project files can reduce the risk of accidental exploitation through social engineering tactics. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in security-critical applications and highlights the need for regular security assessments of industrial control software.