CVE-2019-16675 in PC Worx
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in PHOENIX CONTACT PC Worx through 1.86, PC Worx Express through 1.86, and Config+ through 1.86. A manipulated PC Worx or Config+ project file could lead to an Out-of-bounds Read and remote code execution. The attacker needs to get access to an original PC Worx or Config+ project to be able to manipulate data inside. After manipulation, the attacker needs to exchange the original files with the manipulated ones on the application programming workstation.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2024
This vulnerability exists within PHOENIX CONTACT's industrial automation software suite including PC Worx versions up to 1.86, PC Worx Express up to 1.86, and Config+ up to 1.86. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows attackers to achieve remote code execution through manipulation of project files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the software's file parsing mechanisms, creating an out-of-bounds read condition that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This represents a significant risk in industrial control environments where these tools are commonly deployed for programming and configuring automation systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves manipulating legitimate project files that are used for programming industrial control systems. Attackers must first gain access to a legitimate PC Worx or Config+ project file to create a modified version that contains malicious data structures. The manipulation process typically involves crafting specific byte sequences or data structures that cause the software to read memory locations beyond the intended bounds of the project file. This out-of-bounds read condition can be leveraged to overwrite memory segments or redirect execution flow, ultimately enabling remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, which are common in software that fails to properly validate array indices and buffer boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise entire industrial control systems. In industrial environments, these tools are used to program PLCs, HMIs, and other critical automation equipment that control physical processes. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify control logic, inject malicious code into industrial processes, or gain persistent access to control systems. The attack requires initial access to the development workstation where these tools are installed, making it a supply chain or insider threat vector. Once exploited, the attacker could potentially disrupt operations, cause physical damage to equipment, or gain access to sensitive operational data. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 Phishing, as it requires initial compromise of the development environment followed by execution of malicious code.
Mitigation strategies should focus on multiple layers of defense including restricting access to development workstations, implementing strict file validation procedures, and maintaining updated software versions. Organizations should establish secure development practices that prevent unauthorized modification of project files and implement file integrity monitoring systems. Network segmentation should isolate development environments from operational networks, and access controls should be strictly enforced using principle of least privilege. Regular security assessments of industrial control system development environments are essential, along with monitoring for unusual file access patterns or modifications. Additionally, users should be trained to recognize potential social engineering attempts that could lead to initial compromise of development systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in industrial software and the need for regular security updates in critical infrastructure applications.