CVE-2018-7513 in CX-Supervisor
Summary
by MITRE
In Omron CX-Supervisor Versions 3.30 and prior, parsing malformed project files may cause a stack-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7513 affects Omron CX-Supervisor software versions 3.30 and earlier, presenting a critical stack-based buffer overflow condition that arises during the parsing of malformed project files. This flaw exists within the software's file processing mechanism and represents a significant security risk for industrial control systems that rely on this platform for automation and supervision tasks. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the application's project file parser, which fails to properly handle oversized or malformed data structures that could be embedded within project files. The software's failure to implement proper bounds checking during file parsing operations creates an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack buffer overflow scenario where insufficient boundary checks allow an attacker to write beyond the allocated memory buffer for project file data structures. When CX-Supervisor attempts to parse a maliciously crafted project file, the application's parsing routine does not validate the size or structure of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers on the stack. This allows an attacker to overwrite return addresses, saved registers, and other critical stack memory locations, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution or application crash conditions. The vulnerability specifically impacts the software's ability to handle project files that contain oversized data fields or malformed structures, which could be introduced through various attack vectors including social engineering, compromised software distribution channels, or direct file manipulation. The flaw aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which classifies this as a fundamental memory safety issue where data written to a stack buffer exceeds the buffer's capacity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability to potentially compromise entire industrial control environments where CX-Supervisor is deployed. Organizations utilizing this software for supervisory control and data acquisition systems face significant risks including unauthorized access to control processes, potential disruption of critical manufacturing operations, and possible data corruption within control systems. The vulnerability's exploitation could enable attackers to gain elevated privileges within the control environment, potentially leading to process manipulation, data exfiltration, or system compromise that affects production workflows. Industrial environments that depend on CX-Supervisor for automation and monitoring may experience cascading failures if the application crashes or if an attacker successfully executes malicious code within the software context. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning in environments where operational technology (OT) systems are not regularly updated or where security patch management processes are inadequate, as these scenarios increase the window of exposure for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7513 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions 3.31 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and memory management improvements. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for all project files imported into the system, including automated scanning for malformed structures and size constraints that could indicate malicious content. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of CX-Supervisor systems to untrusted networks or users who might introduce compromised project files. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file parsing activities or application crash patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of application whitelisting and mandatory access controls can further reduce the risk of exploitation by limiting which files can be processed by the software. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of industrial control systems should be conducted to identify and remediate similar memory safety issues that may exist within other components of the operational technology infrastructure. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of secure coding practices in industrial software and the critical need for robust input validation in systems where control and safety are paramount considerations.