CVE-2019-6522 in IKS
Summary
by MITRE
Moxa IKS and EDS fails to properly check array bounds which may allow an attacker to read device memory on arbitrary addresses, and may allow an attacker to retrieve sensitive data or cause device reboot.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6522 affects Moxa IKS and EDS network infrastructure devices, representing a critical security flaw in the memory management subsystem of these industrial networking products. This issue stems from insufficient array bound checking mechanisms within the device firmware, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory access controls. The vulnerability resides in the device's handling of data structures that require proper boundary validation before memory operations can be safely executed. When array bounds are not properly verified, attackers can manipulate memory access patterns to read data from arbitrary memory addresses that should otherwise be protected or inaccessible.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows for unauthorized memory reads through crafted input sequences that bypass normal validation checks. This flaw operates at the kernel level or firmware layer where memory management routines fail to validate array indices before accessing memory locations. The absence of proper bounds checking creates a classic buffer overflow condition that can be leveraged to access memory regions containing sensitive information such as authentication credentials, configuration data, or system parameters. The vulnerability enables attackers to construct specific requests that cause the device to read memory addresses beyond the intended array boundaries, potentially exposing confidential data stored in memory. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of array index values, and can be categorized under the broader ATT&CK technique T1005 for data from local system.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-6522 extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential system instability and service disruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive configuration information that may reveal network topology, device identifiers, or other operational details that could be used in subsequent attacks. The ability to read arbitrary memory addresses provides attackers with comprehensive visibility into the device's internal state and operational parameters. In addition to data extraction, the vulnerability may allow for device reboot or crash conditions, leading to denial of service scenarios that can disrupt industrial operations. The memory access capabilities could enable attackers to discover cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other security-relevant data stored in memory, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure. This vulnerability represents a significant risk in industrial environments where device availability and data integrity are paramount for operational continuity and security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-6522 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Moxa to address the underlying array bound checking implementation. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks or users. Monitoring network traffic for suspicious patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts can provide early detection of potential attacks. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all devices running affected firmware versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Network administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous memory access patterns or unusual device behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in embedded systems, particularly in industrial control environments where security and reliability are critical factors. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure preparedness for potential exploitation of similar memory-related vulnerabilities in their industrial network infrastructure.