CVE-2020-7560 in EcoStruxure Control Expert
Summary
by MITRE • 12/11/2020
A CWE-123: Write-what-where Condition vulnerability exists in EcoStruxure™ Control Expert (all versions) and Unity Pro (former name of EcoStruxure™ Control Expert) (all versions), that could cause a crash of the software or unexpected code execution when opening a malicious file in EcoStruxure™ Control Expert software.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7560 represents a critical write-what-where condition that affects EcoStruxure Control Expert and its predecessor Unity Pro software across all versions. This flaw resides within the file parsing mechanisms of these industrial automation platforms, which are widely deployed in critical infrastructure environments including manufacturing facilities, power generation plants, and process control systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management during the processing of external files, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate memory contents through crafted file inputs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests as a classic write-what-where condition where an attacker can specify both the memory location to write to and the data to write, effectively allowing arbitrary memory modification. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-123 and maps directly to the broader category of memory corruption vulnerabilities that have historically been exploited in industrial control systems. When a user opens a maliciously crafted file within the software environment, the vulnerable parsing routine fails to properly validate the file structure, leading to unauthorized memory writes that can overwrite critical program data or executable code segments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple software crashes, as it creates opportunities for persistent code execution within the targeted industrial control environment. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious code into the control software, potentially leading to unauthorized system modifications, process disruptions, or even physical damage to industrial equipment. The implications are particularly severe in operational technology environments where software reliability and integrity are paramount, as such vulnerabilities could compromise the safety and security of critical infrastructure operations.
Organizations utilizing these industrial automation platforms should implement immediate mitigations including restricting file access to trusted sources, implementing strict file validation procedures, and deploying network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1070 for indicator removal, as attackers might attempt to establish persistence or cover their tracks after initial exploitation. Regular software updates and patches should be prioritized, while security awareness training for operators handling industrial control system files should be enhanced to prevent accidental exploitation through social engineering attacks. Additionally, implementing robust monitoring and anomaly detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts targeting these industrial control environments.