CVE-2019-10992 in CNCSoft ScreenEditor
Summary
by MITRE
Delta Electronics CNCSoft ScreenEditor, Versions 1.00.89 and prior. Multiple out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities may cause information disclosure due to lacking user input validation for processing project files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2023
Delta Electronics CNCSoft ScreenEditor versions 1.00.89 and earlier contain multiple out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities that arise from insufficient user input validation during project file processing. These vulnerabilities occur when the application fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries while parsing project files, leading to memory access violations that can result in information disclosure. The flaw exists in the software's file parsing routine where it reads data from memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries without proper bounds checking. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129 Input Validation and Output Generation, specifically manifesting as improper validation of length of input buffers. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it involves file processing functionality that could be exploited through malicious project files delivered via social engineering or supply chain compromise tactics. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 Phishing, as attackers could craft malicious project files to exploit these read vulnerabilities. The information disclosure aspect poses significant risk as attackers may be able to extract sensitive data from memory locations that should remain protected, potentially including system credentials, configuration details, or proprietary project information. The vulnerability represents a critical security gap in the software's defensive mechanisms, as it demonstrates a failure in implementing basic memory safety checks that are fundamental to preventing such classes of vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of these out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. When the application encounters malformed project files, the improper memory access can cause the software to behave unpredictably, potentially leading to application crashes or, in more severe cases, allowing attackers to extract information from adjacent memory segments. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in industrial control environments where CNCSoft ScreenEditor is commonly deployed, as it could provide attackers with insights into system configurations or operational parameters that might aid in further exploitation attempts. The lack of input validation creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the vulnerable software version is installed, making it a prime target for exploitation in environments where legacy systems are maintained without regular security updates. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities often serve as initial access points for more complex attack chains, where the information disclosure provides attackers with the necessary intelligence to plan subsequent phases of their campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through software updates provided by Delta Electronics, as well as implementing defensive measures to limit exposure. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems to the latest available versions of CNCSoft ScreenEditor that address these memory safety issues. In cases where immediate patching is not feasible, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to restrict who can interact with the vulnerable software. Input validation should be enhanced at multiple levels including file format validation, buffer size checking, and boundary verification to prevent the exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future. The implementation of address space layout randomization and stack canaries could provide additional protection against exploitation attempts, though these are defensive measures rather than primary fixes. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file processing patterns or attempts to access restricted system resources, as these activities might indicate exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potentially vulnerable components within the industrial control system environment that might share similar architectural weaknesses. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized software that might attempt to exploit similar memory safety issues. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date industrial control system software and implementing comprehensive security practices that address both known and emerging threats in operational technology environments.