CVE-2019-6546 in Communicator
Summary
by MITRE
GE Communicator, all versions prior to 4.0.517, allows an attacker to place malicious files within the working directory of the program, which may allow an attacker to manipulate widgets and UI elements.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6546 affects GE Communicator software versions prior to 4.0.517, representing a significant security flaw that undermines the integrity of the application's user interface and widget functionality. This issue stems from insufficient restrictions on file placement within the application's working directory, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the software's graphical elements and potentially compromise user interactions. The vulnerability exists in the application's handling of user interface components and widget management, where proper validation and sanitization of file inputs are lacking.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows attackers to place malicious files in the program's working directory, which then enables them to manipulate the application's widgets and UI elements. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure file handling and directory traversal issues, where the application fails to properly validate or restrict file operations within its execution environment. The weakness creates a path for privilege escalation and potential code execution through manipulation of the user interface components that rely on external file references. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and inadequate access controls within the application's file system operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-6546 extends beyond simple UI manipulation, as it can potentially lead to more severe consequences including unauthorized access to system resources, data exfiltration, and disruption of critical industrial processes. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to inject malicious code into the application's interface, which might then execute with the privileges of the user running GE Communicator. This presents particular concern in industrial control environments where GE Communicator is commonly deployed for monitoring and control systems, as the manipulation of user interface elements could mask malicious activities or provide attackers with additional attack vectors. The vulnerability also aligns with attack patterns described in the ATT&CK framework under persistence and privilege escalation techniques, where adversaries establish footholds through manipulation of legitimate software components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates to version 4.0.517 or later, which includes proper file validation and directory restriction mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict access controls and file system permissions to limit write access to the application's working directory. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous file placement activities within the application's execution environment. The remediation process should include comprehensive security assessments of the application's file handling procedures and implementation of proper input validation controls. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper sandboxing mechanisms in applications that handle user interface components and external file references, aligning with CWE categories related to insecure file operations and improper input validation.