CVE-2021-38415 in V-Server Lite
Summary
by MITRE • 12/21/2021
Fuji Electric V-Server Lite and Tellus Lite V-Simulator prior to v4.0.12.0 is vulnerable a heap-based buffer overflow when parsing a specially crafted project file, which may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-38415 affects Fuji Electric V-Server Lite and Tellus Lite V-Simulator software versions prior to v4.0.12.0, representing a critical heap-based buffer overflow condition that poses significant security risks to industrial control systems. This flaw exists within the software's project file parsing mechanism, where insufficient input validation allows maliciously crafted project files to trigger memory corruption behaviors. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes specially constructed project files that exceed expected buffer boundaries, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code within the context of the running application. The affected systems typically operate in industrial environments where these software solutions manage critical infrastructure operations, making the potential impact particularly severe.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during project file parsing operations, which directly maps to CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow conditions as defined by the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw occurs when the application allocates heap memory for project file data structures without adequate verification of input lengths or data integrity, allowing attackers to supply oversized payloads that overwrite adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption can lead to unpredictable application behavior including crashes, data corruption, or more critically, code execution through controlled memory manipulation techniques. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is enhanced by the fact that project files are typically used in legitimate system operations, making it easier for attackers to deliver malicious payloads through social engineering or supply chain compromise tactics.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations utilizing Fuji Electric's industrial control solutions, particularly in critical infrastructure sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and process control environments. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely through crafted project files enables attackers to gain persistent access to industrial control systems, potentially leading to operational disruptions, data breaches, or even physical system compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it can be leveraged to establish backdoors, escalate privileges, or facilitate lateral movement within industrial networks. Given that these systems often operate in closed environments with limited network connectivity, the initial compromise through project file manipulation can provide attackers with a foothold that may persist undetected for extended periods, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1078.004 for valid accounts for lateral movement.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to Fuji Electric V-Server Lite and Tellus Lite V-Simulator version v4.0.12.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability. Additional mitigations include implementing strict file validation policies for project files, restricting file upload capabilities to authenticated users only, and establishing network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. Security monitoring should focus on unusual file processing activities and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of industrial control system components should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems that may not receive regular updates. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in industrial software development, emphasizing the need for comprehensive input validation, memory management controls, and regular security testing to prevent similar issues in future releases.