CVE-2020-7552 in IGSS Definition
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2020
A CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer vulnerability exists in IGSS Definition (Def.exe) version 14.0.0.20247 that could cause Remote Code Execution when malicious CGF (Configuration Group File) file is imported to IGSS Definition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7552 represents a critical security flaw classified under CWE-119, which specifically addresses improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer. This vulnerability resides within the IGSS Definition software component known as Def.exe, version 14.0.0.20247, and constitutes a significant remote code execution risk that can be exploited through the importation of maliciously crafted CGF (Configuration Group File) files. The software environment in which this vulnerability operates is typically found in industrial control systems and process automation environments where IGSS Definition is used for configuration management and system design.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the Def.exe application when processing CGF files. When a user imports a specially crafted CGF file, the application fails to properly validate the boundaries of memory operations, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory regions beyond their intended limits. This memory corruption occurs during the parsing and interpretation of the configuration file structure, where buffer overflow conditions can be triggered by malformed data within the CGF file format. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to write data beyond allocated memory buffers, potentially overwriting critical program execution structures or injecting malicious code that can be executed with the privileges of the running application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a serious threat to industrial control system security and operational continuity. In environments where IGSS Definition is deployed for critical infrastructure management, successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized system access, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only the simple act of importing a malicious file, which can occur through social engineering, compromised software distribution channels, or automated exploitation campaigns targeting vulnerable systems. The vulnerability affects systems where the software is actively used for configuration management, making it a high-value target for attackers seeking to gain persistent access to industrial environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by the vendor to address the memory boundary checking deficiencies in Def.exe. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for all CGF file imports, including digital signature verification and content scanning to detect potentially malicious files before importation. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the attack surface, ensuring that only authorized personnel can perform configuration file imports. Additionally, monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous import activities or unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to exploitation of remote services and privilege escalation, making comprehensive security monitoring essential for early detection and response. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust network principles and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar memory safety vulnerabilities across their industrial control system environments.