CVE-2020-10637 in HMiSoft VU3
Summary
by MITRE
Eaton HMiSoft VU3 (HMIVU3 runtime not impacted), Version 3.00.23 and prior, however, the HMIVU runtimes are not impacted by these issues. A specially crafted input file could trigger an out-of-bounds read when loaded by the affected product.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
Eaton HMiSoft VU3 runtime versions 3.00.23 and earlier contain a critical out-of-bounds read vulnerability that could be exploited through maliciously crafted input files. This vulnerability specifically affects the HMIVU3 runtime environment and represents a significant security risk for industrial control systems that rely on Eaton's human machine interface software. The flaw occurs during the file loading process when the application fails to properly validate input data boundaries, allowing an attacker to craft specially formatted files that can trigger memory access violations. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information disclosure, application crashes, or potentially more severe exploitation scenarios. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial environments where HMISoft VU3 is deployed for process control and monitoring applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the file parsing routines of the HMIVU3 runtime environment. When processing malicious input files, the application attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, creating a condition where adjacent memory contents may be accessed and potentially exposed. This out-of-bounds read operation can result in information leakage from sensitive memory regions, potentially revealing system configuration details, authentication credentials, or other confidential information. The vulnerability does not affect the HMIVU runtime environments, which suggests that the issue is specific to certain component versions or implementation details within the HMIVU3 framework. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to system information or potentially escalate privileges through information gathering attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-10637 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could enable attackers to disrupt industrial control processes or serve as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks within critical infrastructure environments. Organizations utilizing Eaton HMiSoft VU3 software in manufacturing, energy, or other industrial settings face potential risks including system instability, process interruption, or data compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires the attacker to successfully deliver a malicious input file to a system running the affected software version, which could occur through various attack vectors including social engineering, compromised update mechanisms, or direct system compromise. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where physical security controls may be less stringent or where remote access capabilities exist. The potential for this vulnerability to be chained with other exploits or used as a foothold for lateral movement within industrial networks makes it a significant concern for cybersecurity professionals managing critical infrastructure assets.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including patching to the latest available versions of HMISoft VU3 runtime that address this vulnerability. The affected versions should be deprecated and replaced with secure alternatives as soon as possible, with particular attention to industrial control systems where the software is deployed. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit potential attack vectors and prevent unauthorized file delivery to affected systems. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable software, and monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure software development practices, particularly in industrial control environments where software reliability and security are paramount. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and input validation controls to reduce the attack surface and prevent similar issues from occurring in other software components. Compliance with industrial security standards such as IEC 62443 and NIST SP 800-82 should be maintained to ensure proper security controls are in place for industrial control systems.