CVE-2019-10993 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
In WebAccess/SCADA Versions 8.3.5 and prior, multiple untrusted pointer dereference vulnerabilities may allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10993 affects WebAccess/SCADA software versions 8.3.5 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that exposes systems to remote code execution attacks. This issue stems from multiple untrusted pointer dereference vulnerabilities within the software's architecture, creating pathways for malicious actors to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. The WebAccess/SCADA platform is widely deployed in industrial control systems and supervisory control and data acquisition environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for critical infrastructure sectors including manufacturing, energy, and water treatment facilities. These systems typically operate in environments where security is paramount, yet the presence of such vulnerabilities can compromise the integrity of entire operational technology networks.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper validation of user-supplied data within the application's memory management processes. When the software processes incoming data from network connections or external sources, it fails to adequately verify the legitimacy of pointers before dereferencing them. This weakness allows attackers to craft malicious inputs that, when processed by the vulnerable application, result in pointer dereferences pointing to arbitrary memory locations. Such behavior can be exploited to manipulate program execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the target system. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application handles data structures that are not properly validated, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code through carefully crafted inputs that trigger the unsafe pointer operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-10993 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a fundamental breach in the security model of industrial control systems. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain full control over the affected SCADA systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access to critical processes, data manipulation, system disruption, or even physical damage to industrial equipment. The implications are particularly severe in operational technology environments where these systems control real-world processes such as power generation, chemical processing, or water distribution. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the systems, making the attack surface significantly larger and the potential for widespread impact greater. This vulnerability directly maps to attack patterns described in the attack technique ATT&CK T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services, and aligns with CWE-476 which addresses NULL pointer dereference vulnerabilities.
Organizations utilizing WebAccess/SCADA software must implement immediate remediation measures to address this vulnerability. The primary mitigation strategy involves upgrading to versions of the software that have been patched to address the untrusted pointer dereference issues. Security administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of these systems to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious patterns, implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify exploitation attempts, and conducting thorough vulnerability assessments of the entire operational technology infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in industrial environments and demonstrates the critical need for robust software security practices in control system applications. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure preparedness for potential exploitation of this vulnerability, as the consequences of successful attacks can extend far beyond simple system compromise into operational disruption and safety concerns.