CVE-2018-5452 in ControlWave Micro
Summary
by MITRE
A Stack-based Buffer Overflow issue was discovered in Emerson Process Management ControlWave Micro Process Automation Controller: ControlWave Micro [ProConOS v.4.01.280] firmware: CWM v.05.78.00 and prior. A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability caused by sending crafted packets on Port 20547 could force the PLC to change its state into halt mode.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-5452 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Emerson Process Management ControlWave Micro Process Automation Controller firmware versions up to and including CWM v.05.78.00. This issue specifically affects the ProConOS v.4.01.280 implementation and demonstrates a fundamental security weakness in industrial control systems that can have severe operational consequences. The vulnerability resides in the network communication handling mechanism of the automation controller, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where system reliability and continuous operation are paramount. The flaw manifests when the system receives specially crafted network packets on port 20547, which serves as a communication endpoint for the control system's network interface.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs through improper input validation within the firmware's packet processing routines. When maliciously constructed data is transmitted to port 20547, the system fails to properly bounds-check the incoming data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic stack overflow condition allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow and leading to unpredictable behavior. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking permits memory corruption. The exploitation mechanism leverages network-based attack vectors that are particularly concerning in industrial control environments where physical security measures may be less stringent than in traditional IT environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it can force the PLC into a halt state that effectively disables critical industrial processes. This state change represents a significant threat to industrial automation systems where continuous operation is essential for production processes and safety systems. The potential for denial of service attacks through this vulnerability means that malicious actors could disrupt production lines, cause equipment shutdowns, or create unsafe operating conditions in industrial facilities. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it affects the core control functionality of the automation controller, potentially leading to cascading failures throughout connected industrial processes. From an industrial control systems perspective, this vulnerability represents a direct threat to operational technology security and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for Network Denial of Service attacks against industrial control systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to versions that address the buffer overflow condition in the ProConOS implementation. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of port 20547 to trusted networks only, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous packet patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. Regular security assessments of industrial control systems should include vulnerability scanning for similar buffer overflow conditions in other firmware components. Additionally, implementing network intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for known exploit patterns targeting industrial control systems can provide early warning of attempted attacks. The remediation process must consider the operational impact on industrial processes, requiring careful planning and testing to ensure that firmware updates do not disrupt critical production functions while addressing the security vulnerability effectively.