CVE-2019-6547 in CNCSoft
Summary
by MITRE
Delta Industrial Automation CNCSoft, CNCSoft ScreenEditor Version 1.00.84 and prior. An out-of-bounds read vulnerability may cause the software to crash due to lacking user input validation for processing project files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6547 affects Delta Industrial Automation CNCSoft and CNCSoft ScreenEditor versions 1.00.84 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of industrial automation software systems. This out-of-bounds read vulnerability specifically targets the software's handling of project files, where insufficient input validation creates a pathway for malicious exploitation that can lead to unauthorized system disruption and potential operational compromise.
The technical flaw manifests as an insufficient validation mechanism within the software's file processing routines, where the application fails to properly verify the boundaries and structure of incoming project files before attempting to read data from memory locations. This weakness allows an attacker to craft specially malformed project files that, when processed by the vulnerable software, trigger memory access violations and subsequent application crashes. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-129 as an insufficient validation of length of a buffer, which directly enables out-of-bounds memory access patterns. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with improper input validation attacks that fall under the ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries manipulate application inputs to cause system instability and potential privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple software disruption, as industrial automation systems running affected versions of CNCSoft could experience unexpected downtime and production interruptions. When the software crashes due to processing malicious project files, it can result in loss of operational continuity, data corruption, and potential safety risks in manufacturing environments where precise control systems are essential. The vulnerability particularly affects industrial control systems where software reliability is paramount, as any unauthorized disruption could lead to costly production delays and compromise the overall security posture of the industrial network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-6547 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest software versions that contain proper input validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict file validation protocols and restrict the import of project files from untrusted sources to prevent exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable industrial systems, while regular security assessments should verify that proper input validation has been implemented throughout the software stack. System monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file processing behaviors that could indicate exploitation attempts, and incident response procedures should be established to address potential system compromises. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure software development practices and proper input validation as fundamental security controls in industrial automation environments.