CVE-2022-21137 in CX-One
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2022
Omron CX-One Versions 4.60 and prior are vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow while processing specific project files, which may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-21137 affects Omron CX-One software versions 4.60 and earlier, presenting a critical stack-based buffer overflow condition that arises during the processing of specific project files. This flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in memory management within the software's file handling mechanisms, creating an exploitable condition that could be leveraged by malicious actors to gain unauthorized system control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the project file parsing routines of CX-One. When the software encounters specially crafted project files containing oversized data structures or malformed entries, the buffer overflow occurs in the stack memory region allocated for processing these inputs. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient boundary checks allow data to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with potential persistence mechanisms within industrial control environments where CX-One is commonly deployed. The software's role in industrial automation and control systems means that exploitation could lead to significant operational disruptions, safety system compromise, or unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the CX-One application process, potentially escalating to system-level access depending on the execution environment.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The attack surface is particularly concerning in industrial environments where operators may not regularly update software components, creating prolonged exposure windows for exploitation. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious project file, making it particularly dangerous in environments where project files may be shared between multiple users or imported from external sources.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through official software updates provided by Omron, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific buffer overflow condition. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential vulnerabilities in industrial control system environments. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date industrial software in operational technology environments where security is paramount to system integrity and safety.