CVE-2020-10613 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 disclose sensitive information due to the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a read past the end of an allocated structure. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. Only applicable to installations using DNP3 Data Sets.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2024
This vulnerability exists within Triangle MicroWorks SCADA Data Gateway software versions ranging from 3.02.0697 through 4.0.122 and 2.41.0213 through 4.0.122, specifically affecting systems utilizing DNP3 Data Sets. The flaw represents a classic buffer over-read condition that occurs when the system fails to properly validate user-supplied data inputs. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125 which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit the system without requiring authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous in operational technology environments where network accessibility is common. The lack of proper input validation creates a scenario where malicious actors can craft specially formatted data packets that cause the application to read memory locations beyond the boundaries of allocated data structures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to obtain sensitive information through memory disclosure techniques that can reveal system internals, configuration data, or other confidential information stored in memory. This type of information disclosure vulnerability can provide attackers with significant insights into the operational environment, potentially exposing network topology, system configurations, or other data that could be leveraged for further attacks. The vulnerability specifically impacts DNP3 Data Sets functionality, which is commonly used in industrial control systems for communication between master stations and remote terminals. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for critical infrastructure environments where DNP3 protocol is extensively deployed for supervisory control and data acquisition purposes. The attack vector requires no authentication, which means that any system with the vulnerable software installed and accessible over the network can be targeted by this information disclosure attack.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can provide attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that may enable more sophisticated attacks. In industrial control systems, this information could reveal operational parameters, system configurations, or other sensitive data that could be used to craft more targeted attacks or to understand the operational environment better. The vulnerability affects SCADA systems that are often critical to infrastructure operations, making the potential consequences of exploitation significant for operational technology environments. Organizations using Triangle MicroWorks SCADA Data Gateway in critical infrastructure settings may find this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could provide attackers with insights that could be used for privilege escalation or to plan more complex attacks against the industrial control systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in industrial control system software implementations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by Triangle MicroWorks to address the buffer over-read condition. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to SCADA systems and ensure that only authorized personnel can access these critical systems. Monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns or malformed DNP3 packets can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the need for proper software security practices including input validation, bounds checking, and secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Guidelines and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Additionally, implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious DNP3 traffic patterns can provide additional layers of defense. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments of their operational technology environments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under T1082 for System Information Discovery and potentially T1592 for Vulnerability Analysis, as the information disclosure could enable further reconnaissance activities.