CVE-2020-10611 in SCADA Data Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
Triangle MicroWorks SCADA Data Gateway 3.02.0697 through 4.0.122, 2.41.0213 through 4.0.122 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code due to the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a type confusion condition. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. Only applicable to installations using DNP3 Data Sets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-10611 affects Triangle MicroWorks SCADA Data Gateway versions ranging from 3.02.0697 through 4.0.122 and 2.41.0213 through 4.0.122, specifically impacting systems utilizing DNP3 Data Sets. This critical security flaw represents a type confusion vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for industrial control systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied data within the gateway's processing mechanisms, creating a condition where the system incorrectly handles data types during runtime operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a type confusion condition that occurs when the SCADA gateway processes incoming data from DNP3 protocols without proper input sanitization. This lack of validation enables attackers to craft malicious payloads that manipulate the system's memory management and object handling routines. The vulnerability specifically impacts the data processing pipeline where the gateway interprets and forwards DNP3 data sets, allowing attackers to inject malformed data that causes the system to misinterpret data types and execute unintended code sequences. This type confusion scenario typically arises when the system attempts to use an object of one type in a context expecting another type, leading to memory corruption and potential code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond traditional network security concerns to encompass critical infrastructure protection challenges. Industrial control systems that rely on Triangle MicroWorks SCADA Data Gateway for DNP3 protocol handling become susceptible to remote exploitation, potentially allowing attackers to gain full system control without authentication. The implications include unauthorized access to critical industrial processes, potential disruption of essential services, and the possibility of cascading failures within connected systems. Organizations using affected versions of the gateway face significant risk of operational technology compromise, particularly in sectors such as power generation, water treatment, and manufacturing where SCADA systems are fundamental to operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-10611 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the type confusion vulnerability, as recommended by the vendor. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect anomalous DNP3 traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify the signature patterns associated with this vulnerability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-471, which describes the weakness of "Incorrectly Handling of Data Type," and relates to ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers "Exploitation for Client Execution" in the context of industrial control systems. Organizations should conduct comprehensive risk assessments to determine the full scope of their affected systems and implement layered defensive measures including network monitoring, access controls, and regular vulnerability scanning to prevent exploitation of this critical vulnerability.