CVE-2021-22808 in GUIcon
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2022
A CWE-416: Use After Free vulnerability exists that could cause arbitrary code execution when a malicious *.gd1 configuration file is loaded into the GUIcon tool. Affected Product: Eurotherm by Schneider Electric GUIcon Version 2.0 (Build 683.003) and prior
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2022
The CWE-416 vulnerability identified in Eurotherm by Schneider Electric GUIcon version 2.0 build 683.003 represents a critical use-after-free condition that fundamentally compromises system security through improper memory management practices. This vulnerability arises when the GUIcon tool processes maliciously crafted *.gd1 configuration files, creating an environment where freed memory regions are accessed after being deallocated, leading to potential arbitrary code execution. The flaw demonstrates a classic memory safety issue where the application fails to properly track memory references, allowing attackers to manipulate freed memory pointers and redirect execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the GUIcon tool's handling of configuration file parsing routines that do not adequately validate or sanitize input data from *.gd1 files. When processing these files, the application allocates memory for various data structures representing configuration parameters and graphical elements, but fails to properly manage the lifecycle of these allocations. Upon encountering specific malicious patterns within the gd1 file format, the parser deallocates memory regions containing critical control data structures while subsequent code paths attempt to access these freed locations, creating a window where attacker-controlled data can be injected into previously freed memory segments.
This vulnerability directly impacts the operational security posture of systems utilizing GUIcon software, as it enables remote code execution through simple file manipulation attacks. The attack vector requires only that an unsuspecting user or administrator loads a malicious configuration file into the GUIcon tool, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where configuration management tools are frequently used. The implications extend beyond immediate system compromise to include potential lateral movement within networks, persistence mechanisms, and data exfiltration capabilities through the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the GUIcon process.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK tactics including initial access through malicious file delivery and execution techniques, as well as privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms that could be leveraged by adversaries. The use-after-free condition represents a common exploit pattern in software security, often exploited in conjunction with memory corruption attacks to achieve code execution. Organizations should consider implementing strict file validation controls, sandboxing mechanisms for configuration file processing, and comprehensive patch management procedures to address this vulnerability effectively.
Mitigation strategies must include immediate deployment of vendor-provided patches or updates addressing the specific memory management flaws within GUIcon version 2.0 build 683.003 and earlier releases. System administrators should implement strict file access controls and validation for configuration files, particularly those loaded through GUIcon interfaces, with additional network-level protections such as file reputation systems and sandboxing solutions to prevent unauthorized execution of potentially malicious *.gd1 files. Regular security assessments should include vulnerability scanning for similar memory management issues in other software components that handle user-supplied data, while incident response procedures must account for potential exploitation of this class of vulnerabilities through configuration file manipulation attacks.