CVE-2019-10978 in Controls Crimson
Summary
by MITRE
Red Lion Controls Crimson, version 3.0 and prior and version 3.1 prior to release 3112.00, allow multiple vulnerabilities to be exploited when a valid user opens a specially crafted, malicious input file that operates outside of the designated memory area.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10978 affects Red Lion Controls Crimson software versions 3.0 and earlier, as well as version 3.1 prior to release 3112.00, representing a critical security flaw that exploits memory corruption through malicious file handling. This vulnerability falls under the category of buffer overflow conditions where a specially crafted input file can cause the application to operate outside its designated memory boundaries, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The flaw specifically manifests when a legitimate user opens a maliciously constructed file, exploiting the software's insufficient input validation mechanisms and memory management practices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the file parsing routines of the Crimson software, which fails to adequately validate the size and structure of input files before processing them. This allows attackers to craft input files that exceed the allocated memory buffers, causing stack or heap corruption that can be leveraged to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected user. The vulnerability is classified as a memory corruption issue that aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also relate to CWE-125, representing out-of-bounds read conditions. The attack vector requires user interaction through file opening, making it a user-initiated privilege escalation vulnerability that operates within the context of the current user session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or application crashes, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems and potentially compromise entire operational technology environments. Given that Red Lion Controls Crimson is widely used in industrial automation and control systems, the implications are particularly severe as this vulnerability could affect critical infrastructure operations. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector where attackers need only convince a legitimate user to open a malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may not be security-aware or where physical security controls are insufficient. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning from an attacker perspective as it maps directly to the ATT&CK technique T1059.005, which involves executing malicious code through legitimate user interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-10978 should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by Red Lion Controls, as well as implementing comprehensive user education programs to prevent accidental exploitation through malicious file attachments. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect and prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system files. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary file handling capabilities, implementing application whitelisting policies, and establishing robust incident response procedures to quickly identify and contain any exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in industrial control systems, where the consequences of security flaws can extend far beyond traditional information technology environments into physical safety and operational continuity domains.