CVE-2018-5442 in Electric V-Server VPR
Summary
by MITRE
A Stack-based Buffer Overflow issue was discovered in Fuji Electric V-Server VPR 4.0.1.0 and prior. The stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability has been identified, which may allow remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5442 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in Fuji Electric V-Server VPR 4.0.1.0 and earlier versions, fundamentally compromising the security posture of industrial control systems. This flaw exists within the V-Server software that is designed for industrial automation and process control environments, making it particularly concerning for operational technology infrastructure. The vulnerability arises from improper input validation and memory management within the application's handling of network requests, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system remotely without requiring authentication or physical access to the device.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the V-Server application processes incoming network data through a vulnerable stack-based buffer allocation mechanism. When an attacker sends specially crafted malformed data to the affected system, the application fails to properly validate the input length before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This results in memory corruption that can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially including return addresses and function pointers. The flaw specifically aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security architectures. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage network-based attacks from outside the local network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for industrial environments where security boundaries may be less strictly enforced.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the integrity and availability of industrial control systems that rely on Fuji Electric V-Server technology. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to unauthorized access to critical process controls, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. The implications for industrial environments are severe, as these systems often control critical infrastructure such as manufacturing processes, power generation, or water treatment facilities. The vulnerability's presence in VPR 4.0.1.0 and prior versions means that organizations running older industrial control systems may be exposed to attacks that could cause significant operational disruptions, safety hazards, or financial losses. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these industrial systems are often deployed in environments where traditional security controls may be insufficient or absent.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the buffer overflow vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of industrial systems to untrusted networks, while continuous monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution highlights the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software and ensure proper network access controls are in place to prevent unauthorized access to industrial control systems. Regular security updates and vulnerability management processes should be established to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future, particularly given the critical nature of industrial control systems and their increasing connectivity to enterprise networks.