CVE-2021-22751 in IGSS Definition
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2021
A CWE-787: Out-of-bounds write vulnerability exists inIGSS Definition (Def.exe) V15.0.0.21140 and prior that could result in disclosure of information or execution of arbitrary code due to lack of input validation, when a malicious CGF (Configuration Group File) file is imported to IGSS Definition.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-22751 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw classified under CWE-787 within the IGSS Definition software version 15.0.0.21140 and earlier iterations. This security weakness manifests when the Def.exe application processes maliciously crafted CGF files during the import operation, creating a potential vector for sophisticated attacks targeting industrial control systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or verify the integrity of imported configuration group files before processing their contents.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious actor crafts a specially formatted CGF file that contains data structures designed to trigger memory corruption during the parsing process. When the IGSS Definition application attempts to import such a file, the absence of proper bounds checking allows the application to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory segments. This memory corruption can lead to unpredictable application behavior, including information disclosure through memory dumps or complete application crashes that may be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the context of the running process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly within industrial environments where IGSS Definition software is deployed for managing industrial control system configurations. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, potentially compromising the integrity of industrial processes and control systems. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it operates at the application level without requiring elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where configuration files are routinely imported from external sources or shared across networked systems. This threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection, as the successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code within the industrial control environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-22751 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the out-of-bounds write vulnerability through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for all CGF imports, including digital signature verification and file integrity checks before processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security assessments should monitor for unauthorized file imports. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-787 emphasizes the critical need for robust memory safety practices in industrial control software, aligning with security standards that mandate proper input validation and memory management controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities in industrial automation environments.