CVE-2018-19093 in libIEC61850
Summary
by MITRE
An issue has been found in libIEC61850 v1.3. It is a SEGV in ControlObjectClient_setCommandTerminationHandler in client/client_control.c. NOTE: the software maintainer disputes this because it requires incorrect usage of the client_example_control program
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19093 affects libIEC61850 version 1.3 and represents a segmentation fault occurring within the ControlObjectClient_setCommandTerminationHandler function located in client/client_control.c. This issue manifests as a denial of service condition that can potentially crash applications utilizing the library. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with a classic null pointer dereference scenario where the application attempts to access memory through an invalid pointer reference. The segmentation fault occurs during the handling of control object commands, specifically when setting command termination handlers for client operations.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and error handling within the control object client implementation. When the ControlObjectClient_setCommandTerminationHandler function processes incoming parameters, it fails to adequately validate the state of control object references before attempting to establish termination handlers. This lack of proper validation creates an execution path where a null pointer dereference can occur, leading to the segmentation fault that terminates the application process. The vulnerability operates at the application level within the communication stack of IEC 61850 protocol implementations, which are commonly used in industrial control systems and smart grid environments.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems relying on libIEC61850 for communication with IEC 61850 compliant devices. The segmentation fault can cause complete application termination, leading to service disruption in critical infrastructure environments where continuous operation is essential. Industrial control systems and power grid management platforms that utilize this library for device control operations could experience unexpected downtime, potentially affecting grid stability and operational continuity. The vulnerability's exploitation requires specific conditions involving incorrect usage patterns of the client_example_control program as noted by the software maintainer, suggesting that proper usage of the library may prevent the issue.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which identifies NULL pointer dereference as a common weakness in software implementations. Additionally, this issue demonstrates characteristics relevant to ATT&CK technique T1489 which involves disrupting services through the manipulation of system resources. The affected library serves as a critical communication component in industrial control systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations implementing IEC 61850 standards. The software maintainer's position regarding the vulnerability suggests that it may only occur under non-standard usage conditions, indicating that proper implementation practices could mitigate the risk.
Organizations utilizing libIEC61850 should implement immediate mitigations including thorough code review of client implementations to ensure proper validation of control object references before handler assignment. The recommended approach involves updating to newer versions of the library where this issue has been addressed through improved error handling mechanisms and input validation. Additionally, defensive programming practices should be implemented in client applications to include proper null checks and exception handling around control object operations. System monitoring should be enhanced to detect application crashes or unexpected terminations that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability, particularly in environments where continuous operation is critical for industrial processes and grid management operations.