CVE-2020-27263 in Kepware KEPServerEX
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2021
KEPServerEX: v6.0 to v6.9, ThingWorx Kepware Server: v6.8 and v6.9, ThingWorx Industrial Connectivity: All versions, OPC-Aggregator: All versions, Rockwell Automation KEPServer Enterprise, GE Digital Industrial Gateway Server: v7.68.804 and v7.66, Software Toolbox TOP Server: All 6.x versions, are vulnerable to a heap-based buffer overflow. Opening a specifically crafted OPC UA message could allow an attacker to crash the server and potentially leak data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2021
This vulnerability affects multiple industrial automation and connectivity platforms including KEPServerEX versions 6.0 through 6.9, ThingWorx Kepware Server versions 6.8 and 6.9, ThingWorx Industrial Connectivity across all versions, OPC-Aggregator across all versions, Rockwell Automation KEPServer Enterprise, GE Digital Industrial Gateway Server versions 7.66 and 7.68.804, and Software Toolbox TOP Server versions 6.x. The heap-based buffer overflow occurs when processing specifically crafted OPC UA messages, representing a critical security flaw that can be exploited by remote attackers without authentication requirements. This vulnerability falls under CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a memory safety error that allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves sending maliciously constructed OPC UA messages that trigger memory corruption during message parsing operations. When the affected systems process these crafted messages, the buffer overflow can cause memory corruption that may result in application crashes, system instability, or potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the vulnerable application. The heap-based nature of this vulnerability means that attackers can manipulate heap memory structures to overwrite critical data or function pointers, creating opportunities for privilege escalation or persistent access to industrial control systems. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in industrial environments where continuous system availability is critical for operational safety and production processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise industrial control system integrity and availability. In manufacturing and industrial automation environments, these systems often operate continuously without interruption, making any crash or instability potentially catastrophic for production operations. The vulnerability affects platforms that serve as critical communication bridges between industrial devices and enterprise systems, meaning that exploitation could disrupt entire production lines or cause safety-critical systems to fail. The potential for data leakage adds another layer of concern as industrial control systems often contain sensitive operational data, process parameters, and proprietary information that could be accessed through this vulnerability.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying vendor-provided patches and updates as soon as they become available, implementing network segmentation to limit access to affected systems, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious OPC UA traffic patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 exploitation of remote services, where attackers leverage vulnerabilities in network services to gain unauthorized access or cause system disruption. Additional defensive measures should include regular security assessments of industrial control system environments, implementing network monitoring for anomalous OPC UA communications, and establishing incident response procedures specific to industrial cybersecurity incidents. Organizations should also consider restricting OPC UA communication to trusted networks only and implementing proper access controls to limit who can send messages to these industrial communication servers.