CVE-2018-8839 in PMSoft
Summary
by MITRE
Delta PMSoft versions 2.10 and prior have multiple stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities where a .ppm file can introduce a value larger than is readable by PMSoft's fixed-length stack buffer. This can cause the buffer to be overwritten, which may allow arbitrary code execution or cause the application to crash. CVSS v3 base score: 7.1; CVSS vector string: AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H. Delta Electronics recommends affected users update to at least PMSoft v2.11, which was made available as of March 22, 2018, or the latest available version.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2020
Delta PMSoft version 2.10 and earlier contains critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities that arise from insufficient input validation when processing .ppm files. These vulnerabilities represent a classic software security flaw where fixed-length stack buffers fail to accommodate potentially larger input values, creating exploitable conditions that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes. The vulnerability affects the parsing functionality of the PMSoft application which handles Delta PMSoft project files, making it particularly dangerous in industrial control environments where such software is commonly deployed. The CVSS v3 score of 7.1 indicates high severity with low attack complexity and no privilege requirements, making it accessible to a broad range of threat actors.
The technical flaw manifests when the application processes .ppm files that contain maliciously crafted data exceeding the predetermined buffer size limits. This stack-based buffer overflow occurs because the software does not properly validate the length of input data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability falls under stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory. The overflow can corrupt return addresses, saved registers, and other critical stack data structures, potentially enabling code execution control. The attack vector requires local user interaction since a .ppm file must be opened by the vulnerable application, but the privilege requirements are minimal as no elevated permissions are needed for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability to potential system compromise within industrial environments where Delta PMSoft is deployed. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause the application to crash or more critically allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running PMSoft. This presents significant risks in industrial control systems where such software may be used for critical infrastructure management, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to operational technology environments. The vulnerability affects organizations using older versions of PMSoft, particularly those that may not have automated update mechanisms in place, creating persistent security gaps in their operational technology infrastructure. Organizations implementing industrial security controls should consider this vulnerability as part of their risk assessment for industrial control system environments.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the recommended mitigation strategy of updating to PMSoft version 2.11 or later, which was released on March 22, 2018, and includes proper input validation to prevent buffer overflow conditions. This update represents the primary defense against exploitation and should be prioritized in security operations centers managing industrial control systems. Additional mitigations include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted .ppm files, deploying network segmentation to limit access to systems running PMSoft, and ensuring proper patch management procedures are in place for operational technology environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current software versions in industrial settings and highlights how seemingly minor software flaws can have significant operational security implications. Security teams should also consider monitoring for suspicious file execution patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.