CVE-2020-26867 in PcVue
Summary
by MITRE • 10/12/2020
ARC Informatique PcVue prior to version 12.0.17 is vulnerable due to the deserialization of untrusted data, which may allow an attacker to remotely execute arbitrary code on the web and mobile back-end server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-26867 affects ARC Informatique PcVue software versions prior to 12.0.17, presenting a critical security risk through unsafe deserialization practices. This flaw exists within the web and mobile back-end server components of the application, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution attacks that could compromise entire server infrastructures. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize data during the deserialization process, allowing maliciously crafted input to be executed as code within the target system context.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which specifically addresses deserialization of untrusted data as a dangerous practice that can lead to remote code execution. When the PcVue application processes data structures received from external sources, it does not adequately verify the integrity or authenticity of the serialized objects before attempting to reconstruct them into executable code. This creates an attack surface where an unauthenticated remote attacker can craft malicious serialized data that, when processed by the vulnerable server, executes arbitrary commands with the privileges of the application process. The flaw particularly impacts the back-end server components that handle mobile and web communications, making it possible for attackers to gain control over the entire server infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely without requiring authentication credentials. Once exploited, the vulnerability could allow threat actors to install malware, establish persistent backdoors, access sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The affected environment typically includes industrial control systems and process automation platforms where PcVue is deployed, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for critical infrastructure environments. The remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet, without needing physical access or network proximity to the target systems.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to PcVue version 12.0.17 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the deserialization vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to the affected server components, limiting exposure to only trusted networks and IP addresses. Input validation mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure that all serialized data is properly sanitized before processing, and application-level monitoring should be implemented to detect suspicious deserialization activities. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their industrial control systems to identify any other applications that may be susceptible to similar deserialization flaws, as this represents a common pattern in software vulnerabilities that affects numerous industrial and enterprise applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for Windows Scripting and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures including endpoint detection and response capabilities to monitor for exploitation attempts.