CVE-2018-7517 in CX-Supervisor
Summary
by MITRE
In Omron CX-Supervisor Versions 3.30 and prior, parsing malformed project files may cause an out of bounds vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7517 affects Omron CX-Supervisor software versions 3.30 and earlier, representing a critical out-of-bounds memory access flaw that arises during the parsing of malformed project files. This issue falls under the category of buffer overflow vulnerabilities and is classified as CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions. The vulnerability manifests when the software attempts to process project files that contain malformed data structures or corrupted content, leading to memory access violations that can result in unpredictable behavior including application crashes or potential code execution. The flaw exists in the parsing logic that does not adequately validate the structure and content of project files before attempting to read or manipulate their data, creating an attack surface where maliciously crafted project files could be used to exploit this weakness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it represents a significant security risk in industrial control environments where CX-Supervisor is commonly deployed. When exploited, this out-of-bounds read condition could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of the software, particularly in environments where these systems are connected to operational technology networks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial settings because it could be leveraged to disrupt critical manufacturing processes or gain unauthorized access to control systems. The flaw is classified under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation might enable attackers to execute malicious payloads within the target environment, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, since the software typically runs with elevated privileges in industrial control scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7517 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by Omron to address the buffer overflow vulnerability in the project file parsing functionality. Organizations should prioritize updating to CX-Supervisor versions that have been specifically patched to handle malformed project files properly, implementing strict input validation mechanisms that prevent the processing of corrupted or unexpected data structures. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted users or external networks, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other industrial control software. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts, and establishing secure software development practices including code reviews and static analysis tools can prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions of the software. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices in industrial control systems where software reliability directly impacts operational safety and security.