CVE-2021-47881 in dataSIMS Avionics ARINC
Summary
by MITRE • 01/23/2026
dataSIMS Avionics ARINC 664-1 version 4.5.3 contains a local buffer overflow vulnerability that allows attackers to overwrite memory by manipulating the milstd1553result.txt file. Attackers can craft a malicious file with carefully constructed payload and alignment sections to potentially execute arbitrary code on the Windows system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2026
The dataSIMS Avionics ARINC 664-1 version 4.5.3 vulnerability represents a critical local buffer overflow flaw that exists within aviation software used for avionics systems integration and testing. This vulnerability specifically affects the processing of milstd1553result.txt files, which are essential components in military standard 1553 data transmission analysis and validation. The software architecture processes these text files without proper bounds checking mechanisms, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled input can exceed allocated memory buffers. The vulnerability resides in the file parsing logic that handles communication protocols between avionics systems and ground support equipment, making it particularly dangerous in defense and aerospace environments where system integrity is paramount. This issue falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution, as successful exploitation could enable arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the ARINC 664-1 processing module that handles MIL-STD-1553 communication data files. When the system attempts to parse the milstd1553result.txt file, it fails to properly verify the length or structure of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. Attackers can craft malicious files containing oversized payloads with carefully positioned alignment bytes that overwrite adjacent memory locations. The overflow typically targets stack-based buffers where the software allocates memory for storing parsed communication data, potentially corrupting return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control structures. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the running process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires no network connectivity for exploitation, making it a local privilege escalation vector that can be triggered simply by opening a malicious file within the application context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to avionics system security and mission-critical operations. In defense environments, where ARINC 664-1 software is used for validating aircraft communication systems, exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive military data or disruption of communication protocols. The vulnerability affects systems that process flight test data, maintenance records, and communication logs that are essential for aircraft operational readiness. Attackers could potentially modify or corrupt test results, leading to false system diagnostics or compromised safety assessments. The local nature of the exploit means that an attacker would need physical access to the system or already have user-level credentials, but once exploited, the consequences could be severe as the compromised system could be used as a foothold for further network penetration. This vulnerability also impacts the integrity of avionics testing procedures and could compromise the certification process for aircraft systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected software version, as well as implementing additional security controls to reduce the attack surface. Organizations should enforce strict file validation protocols and implement sandboxing measures for processing potentially malicious files. The recommended approach includes applying the vendor-provided security patches or updates that address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should also implement file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to critical configuration files. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit user access to systems running vulnerable software. Additionally, security awareness training should be conducted for personnel who handle avionics test data, emphasizing the importance of verifying file sources and implementing proper file handling procedures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in safety-critical systems and highlights the need for regular security assessments of legacy avionics software used in defense applications. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries that could exploit similar vulnerabilities in other components of the avionics testing infrastructure.