CVE-2022-43604 in OpENer
Summary
by MITRE • 03/16/2023
An out-of-bounds write vulnerability exists in the GetAttributeList attribute_count_request functionality of EIP Stack Group OpENer development commit 58ee13c. A specially crafted EtherNet/IP request can lead to an out-of-bounds write, potentially causing the server to crash or allow for remote code execution. An attacker can send a series of EtherNet/IP requests to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-43604 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the OpENer EtherNet/IP stack implementation developed by EIP Stack Group. This issue manifests specifically within the GetAttributeList attribute_count_request functionality, which is a fundamental component of the EtherNet/IP protocol used for industrial automation and control systems. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and boundary checking during the processing of attribute count requests, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted EtherNet/IP packets can trigger memory corruption. The affected software version incorporates the development commit 58ee13c, indicating this flaw exists in a specific codebase state that has not yet been patched or corrected.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a specially formatted EtherNet/IP request containing malformed attribute count parameters. During normal operation, the GetAttributeList service should properly validate the number of attributes requested and ensure that the response buffer can accommodate the expected data. However, the flawed implementation fails to verify that the requested attribute count falls within acceptable bounds, allowing an attacker to specify an excessive number that exceeds the allocated memory buffer. This results in a memory write operation that extends beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations. The out-of-bounds write can corrupt critical program data, stack pointers, or function return addresses, ultimately leading to unpredictable behavior including application crashes or complete system termination.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-43604 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable remote code execution within affected industrial control systems. When the vulnerable server crashes due to memory corruption, it can result in denial of service attacks that compromise industrial automation processes. More concerning is the potential for remote code execution, which would allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical control systems. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in industrial environments where EtherNet/IP is commonly used for connecting programmable logic controllers, remote terminal units, and other critical infrastructure components. The ability to remotely execute code on industrial control systems could lead to production disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to equipment, making this vulnerability a significant threat to industrial cybersecurity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-43604 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the vendor-provided security updates. Organizations must conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected OpENer implementation across their industrial networks. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of critical EtherNet/IP services to trusted networks only. Additionally, monitoring and logging of EtherNet/IP traffic should be enhanced to detect anomalous attribute count requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents an unauthenticated remote code execution vulnerability in a publicly accessible industrial protocol stack. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically tuned to detect EtherNet/IP protocol anomalies and maintain comprehensive incident response plans for potential exploitation of industrial control system vulnerabilities.