CVE-2019-13540 in TPEditor
Summary
by MITRE
Delta Electronics TPEditor, Versions 1.94 and prior. Multiple stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities may be exploited by processing specially crafted project files, which may allow an attacker to remotely execute arbitrary code.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2023
The Delta Electronics TPEditor software presents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2019-13540, affecting versions 1.94 and earlier. This vulnerability manifests as multiple stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when the application processes specially crafted project files. The flaw exists within the software's file parsing mechanism where insufficient input validation allows malicious data to overflow allocated memory buffers on the stack. Such buffer overflows represent a fundamental security weakness that has been categorized under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution, making it a severe threat vector for attackers who can craft malicious project files to compromise systems running affected versions of TPEditor.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of project file structures that the TPEditor application parses during normal operation. When the software encounters malformed or specially constructed project files, the parsing routines fail to properly bounds-check input data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. This failure creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, and other critical program state information. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that the memory layout is predictable and exploitable through traditional buffer overflow techniques. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the TPEditor application, potentially gaining full system control. This exploitation scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and remote code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-13540 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of systems running vulnerable TPEditor versions. Organizations utilizing this software for industrial control systems, automation projects, or process engineering applications face significant risk exposure since these environments often lack robust network segmentation and may contain critical infrastructure components. The remote execution capability means that attackers can compromise systems from external networks without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in industrial environments where operational technology networks may be less secured than traditional information technology systems. The vulnerability affects Delta Electronics' TPEditor software, which is commonly used in industrial automation and control systems, creating potential cascading effects across multiple operational technology domains and increasing the overall attack surface for industrial control systems. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including software updates, network segmentation, and input validation controls to prevent exploitation of this critical vulnerability. The severity of this issue places it within the highest risk categories for industrial control system environments where the potential for physical damage and operational disruption is significant.