CVE-2021-22802 in Interactive Graphical SCADA System Data Collector
Summary
by MITRE • 02/11/2022
A CWE-120: Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input vulnerability exists that could result in remote code execution due to missing length check on user supplied data, when a constructed message is received on the network. Affected Product: Interactive Graphical SCADA System Data Collector (dc.exe) (V15.0.0.21243 and prior)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-22802 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw classified under CWE-120, which specifically addresses buffer copy operations without proper size checking of input data. This weakness exists within the Interactive Graphical SCADA System Data Collector component known as dc.exe, affecting versions 15.0.0.21243 and earlier. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes network-received messages without validating the length of incoming data against the allocated buffer space, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for remote code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the data collector's network message handling routines. When the dc.exe process receives constructed messages over the network, it fails to perform adequate bounds checking on the user-supplied data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This omission allows an attacker to craft malicious network packets that exceed the intended buffer boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability operates at the network layer where the system expects structured communication but does not validate the integrity of the received data payload against predetermined size constraints.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly within industrial control system environments where SCADA systems operate as critical infrastructure components. Remote code execution capabilities provide attackers with the ability to gain unauthorized access to the data collector system, potentially enabling them to manipulate industrial processes, access sensitive operational data, or establish persistent access points within the network. The affected version V15.0.0.21243 and prior represent a substantial attack surface given that SCADA systems typically operate in environments with limited security monitoring and may have direct connections to operational technology networks. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to remote service exploitation and privilege escalation, as the successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-22802 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions beyond 15.0.0.21243 where the buffer overflow protections have been implemented. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the dc.exe component to untrusted networks, while implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous message patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include deploying intrusion detection systems with signature-based detection for known malicious payload patterns and establishing network access controls that restrict the network interfaces used by the data collector component. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of potentially vulnerable components and conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their SCADA environments to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other industrial control system components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in industrial cybersecurity and aligns with NIST cybersecurity frameworks that emphasize the need for robust software security practices in critical infrastructure protection.