CVE-2020-16232 in WideField3
Summary
by MITRE • 03/18/2022
In Yokogawa WideField3 R1.01 - R4.03, a buffer overflow could be caused when a user loads a maliciously crafted project file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-16232 affects Yokogawa WideField3 software versions ranging from R1.01 through R4.03, representing a critical buffer overflow condition that can be exploited through malicious project file manipulation. This issue falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, specifically manifesting as a stack-based buffer overflow that occurs during the loading process of project files. The vulnerability exists within the software's file parsing mechanism where insufficient bounds checking is performed when processing user-supplied data from project files, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered by an attacker who crafts a malicious file.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the project file loader component of Yokogawa WideField3. When a user opens a specially crafted project file, the application fails to properly validate the size and content of data structures within the file, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code. This buffer overflow condition represents a significant security weakness that allows attackers to potentially gain unauthorized access to the system running the affected software, particularly in industrial control environments where Yokogawa WideField3 is commonly deployed for process control and monitoring.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can compromise the integrity of industrial control systems where WideField3 is utilized for critical infrastructure management. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially disrupt process control operations, manipulate data, or gain elevated privileges within the system environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial settings where system reliability and security are paramount, as it could lead to operational disruptions, safety hazards, or unauthorized access to sensitive process control information. The attack surface is limited to users who interact with project files, but in enterprise environments, this could represent a significant vector for lateral movement or privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-16232 should prioritize immediate software updates from Yokogawa to the latest available version that addresses this buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file access controls and limit user permissions when handling project files, as well as deploy network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general network access. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution, as successful exploitation would likely involve code execution capabilities. Additionally, this issue demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in industrial control software, as highlighted in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO/IEC 27001 security standards. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other industrial control system components.