CVE-2018-19019 in CX-Supervisor
Summary
by MITRE
A type confusion vulnerability exists when processing project files in CX-Supervisor (Versions 3.42 and prior). 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 identified as CVE-2018-19019 represents a critical type confusion flaw within CX-Supervisor software versions 3.42 and earlier, exposing organizations to potential remote code execution risks. This type confusion vulnerability manifests during the processing of project files, creating a scenario where the application fails to properly validate data types during runtime operations. The flaw stems from improper handling of serialized data structures that are parsed from project files, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layouts and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running application. Such vulnerabilities typically arise when developers assume specific data types without proper validation, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious inputs that coerce the application into interpreting data as incorrect types.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic type confusion attack pattern where an attacker crafts a specially designed project file containing malformed data structures that trigger unexpected behavior in the application's memory management. When CX-Supervisor processes these malicious files, the application's type checking mechanisms fail to properly validate the expected data types, leading to memory corruption and potential code execution. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-476 which defines null pointer dereference conditions and CWE-121 which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions that can result from improper type handling. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it allows for privilege escalation to the application level, potentially enabling attackers to gain full control over the system running the CX-Supervisor software.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to industrial control systems and automation environments where CX-Supervisor is deployed, as attackers could leverage this flaw to compromise entire operational technology networks. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential system destabilization, data corruption, and unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. Organizations utilizing this software in production environments face elevated risk of supply chain attacks or targeted exploitation attempts, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and process control where these supervisors are commonly deployed. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond the mere opening or processing of a malicious project file, making it particularly dangerous in automated or unattended environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19019 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions 3.43 and later where the type confusion vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and type checking mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures that scan project files for suspicious patterns and ensure only trusted sources can provide project files to the application. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of exploitation, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized modifications have been made to the software installation. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual file processing activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework aligns with techniques such as T1059 for command and script injection and T1078 for valid accounts, as exploitation would likely involve leveraging legitimate application processes to execute malicious code. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar type confusion vulnerabilities in other industrial control system components that may be susceptible to similar attack vectors.