CVE-2022-26419 in CX-Position
Summary
by MITRE • 04/02/2022
Omron CX-Position (versions 2.5.3 and prior) is vulnerable to multiple stack-based buffer overflow conditions while parsing a specific project file, which may allow an attacker to locally execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-26419 affects Omron CX-Position software version 2.5.3 and earlier, representing a critical stack-based buffer overflow condition that arises during project file parsing operations. This flaw exists within the software's handling of specific project file formats, creating a pathway for malicious code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables local arbitrary code execution, meaning an attacker with access to the system must only provide a specially crafted project file to trigger the overflow condition. The stack-based nature of this buffer overflow indicates that the vulnerability occurs when the program attempts to write data beyond the allocated stack buffer space, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the project file parsing module of CX-Position. When the software processes a malformed project file containing oversized data structures or malformed data sequences, it fails to properly validate buffer boundaries before copying data into stack-allocated memory regions. This failure directly aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of unsafe memory manipulation practices. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local access to the target system since the buffer overflow occurs during local execution of the software, making it a privilege escalation vector rather than a remote attack surface. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious project files that, when opened by the vulnerable software, cause the stack to overflow and redirect execution flow to malicious code injected into the program's memory space.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-26419 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within industrial control systems environments where Omron CX-Position is deployed. The software operates within critical infrastructure sectors including manufacturing automation, process control, and industrial robotics where unauthorized code execution could lead to significant operational disruptions, safety hazards, or data compromise. The vulnerability's local execution requirement means that successful exploitation typically requires either physical access to the system or prior compromise through other attack vectors, but once achieved, the attacker gains full control over the software's execution environment. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as the executed code could potentially leverage the software's legitimate functionality to establish persistence or escalate privileges within the industrial control system environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-26419 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the buffer overflow conditions, as Omron has likely released patches to resolve the vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict access controls and file validation procedures to prevent unauthorized project files from being processed by the software, including implementing file type restrictions and digital signature verification. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software within their industrial control networks and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics make it susceptible to detection through behavioral monitoring of the software's file processing activities, particularly when unusual data patterns are observed during project file loading operations. Network segmentation and least privilege access models should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, as the vulnerability primarily affects local execution environments where attackers have already established a presence within the target system.