CVE-2019-10975 in Alpha7 PC Loader
Summary
by MITRE
An out-of-bounds read vulnerability has been identified in Fuji Electric Alpha7 PC Loader Versions 1.1 and prior, which may crash the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2019-10975 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within Fuji Electric Alpha7 PC Loader software versions 1.1 and earlier. This issue manifests as a memory access violation that occurs when the application processes malformed input data, specifically within the data parsing routines used to handle configuration files or communication protocols. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking mechanisms that fail to validate the length or structure of incoming data streams before attempting to read from memory locations. Such a flaw creates an exploitable condition where an attacker could potentially manipulate input parameters to cause the application to access memory beyond its allocated boundaries, leading to unpredictable behavior and system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software systems. The flaw exists in the memory management logic of the Alpha7 PC Loader utility, where the software does not properly validate array indices or buffer limits during data processing operations. When legitimate or malicious input data is processed, the application fails to check whether the data being read falls within the expected memory boundaries, resulting in a read operation that accesses unauthorized memory locations. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal operational procedures, making it difficult to detect and prevent without proper input validation mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, as it represents a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks within industrial control environments. The Alpha7 PC Loader serves as a critical interface for configuring and managing Fuji Electric's industrial automation systems, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to disrupt operations or gain unauthorized access to control systems. The out-of-bounds read condition could potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions that would affect the availability of industrial processes. In environments where these systems operate continuously, such as manufacturing facilities or critical infrastructure installations, the reliability implications are severe and could result in production downtime or safety concerns.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-10975 should focus on immediate software updates and comprehensive input validation measures. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Fuji Electric Alpha7 PC Loader versions 1.2 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the bounds checking deficiencies. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls around systems running this software can limit potential attack vectors. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated software versions to ensure compatibility with existing industrial control configurations. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for unusual data processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From a compliance standpoint, this vulnerability affects industrial security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443 standards, which emphasize the importance of secure software development practices and vulnerability management in industrial environments. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for Windows Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation could involve command injection through malformed input data, though the primary impact remains system instability rather than direct execution capabilities.