CVE-2019-10951 in CNCSoft
Summary
by MITRE
Delta Industrial Automation CNCSoft, CNCSoft ScreenEditor Version 1.00.88 and prior. Multiple heap-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities may be exploited by processing specially crafted project files, allowing an attacker to remotely execute arbitrary code. There is a lack of user input validation before copying data from project files onto the heap.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10951 affects Delta Industrial Automation CNCSoft ScreenEditor version 1.00.88 and earlier releases, representing a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw that enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted project files. This vulnerability exists within industrial automation software commonly used in manufacturing environments where CNC (Computer Numerical Control) systems control machine tools and processes. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize data extracted from project files before heap memory allocation occurs, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code remotely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through heap-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when the application processes specially constructed project files containing oversized or malformed data structures. When the CNCSoft ScreenEditor parses these malicious inputs, it copies data directly from the project file onto heap memory without sufficient bounds checking or validation of input sizes. This fundamental flaw allows attackers to overflow heap buffers and potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations, including function pointers or return addresses, enabling code execution control. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in industrial settings where these systems often operate without proper network segmentation or security controls, making remote exploitation more feasible.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to industrial control systems and manufacturing environments where CNCSoft ScreenEditor is deployed. The remote code execution capability means attackers can gain unauthorized access to critical manufacturing processes without physical presence, potentially leading to production disruptions, data compromise, or even physical damage to equipment. The lack of input validation creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited through various attack surfaces including email attachments, web downloads, or network-based file transfers. Organizations using this software in production environments face potential losses ranging from operational downtime to intellectual property theft and safety hazards in automated manufacturing processes.
Security mitigations for CVE-2019-10951 should prioritize immediate software updates from Delta Industrial Automation to address the heap overflow vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general corporate networks and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file processing activities. Input validation controls should be enhanced at multiple layers including application-level sanitization of project file inputs, network-level filtering of potentially malicious file types, and regular security assessments of industrial automation environments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow patterns and represents a typical ATT&CK technique involving execution through file processing, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both the immediate vulnerability and broader industrial cybersecurity frameworks.