CVE-2022-24314 in Interactive Graphical SCADA System Data Server
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2022
A CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read vulnerability exists that could cause memory leaks potentially resulting in denial of service when an attacker repeatedly sends a specially crafted message. Affected Product: Interactive Graphical SCADA System Data Server (V15.0.0.22020 and prior)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-24314 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw classified under CWE-125 within the Interactive Graphical SCADA System Data Server version 15.0.0.22020 and earlier releases. This vulnerability manifests when the system processes specially crafted messages that exceed expected data boundaries, creating a condition where the application attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer space. The flaw specifically impacts industrial control systems that rely on SCADA infrastructure for monitoring and managing critical operations, making it particularly concerning for operational technology environments where system stability and security are paramount.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the data server's message processing pipeline. When an attacker crafts and repeatedly sends malformed messages, the system's memory management routines fail to properly bounds-check data structures before accessing memory regions. This condition allows the application to read beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially accessing sensitive data or triggering memory corruption scenarios. The out-of-bounds read operation can lead to unpredictable behavior including application crashes, memory leaks, and ultimately denial of service conditions that disrupt critical industrial processes. The repeated nature of the attack vector suggests that the vulnerability may be exploitable through sustained traffic patterns that gradually consume system resources or trigger cascading failures within the memory management subsystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the integrity of industrial control systems that depend on continuous operation for safety and security. In SCADA environments, where systems control critical infrastructure such as power grids, water treatment facilities, and manufacturing processes, a denial of service attack can result in significant operational downtime and potential safety hazards. The memory leak characteristics of this vulnerability compound the risk by gradually depleting system resources, making the impact more insidious and harder to detect. Organizations implementing the affected Interactive Graphical SCADA System Data Server must consider the potential for cascading failures that could affect downstream systems and processes relying on the compromised data server functionality. The vulnerability's presence in industrial environments also raises concerns about the broader attack surface and potential for lateral movement within networked industrial control systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-24314 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 15.0.0.22021 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the out-of-bounds read condition. Network-based defenses including intrusion detection systems and firewalls should be configured to monitor and filter suspicious message patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of input validation controls and bounds checking mechanisms within the application layer provides additional defense-in-depth measures that can help prevent exploitation even if other security controls fail. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their industrial control systems to identify similar vulnerabilities in related components and ensure proper network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Compliance with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443 should be maintained to ensure proper security controls are implemented across industrial environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of applying security patches promptly in operational technology environments where the consequences of system failures can be severe and far-reaching.