CVE-2022-47379 in Control
Summary
by MITRE • 05/15/2023
An authenticated, remote attacker may use a out-of-bounds write vulnerability in multiple CODESYS products in multiple versions to write data into memory which can lead to a denial-of-service condition, memory overwriting, or remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-47379 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw affecting multiple CODESYS products across various versions. This security weakness resides within the software's memory management mechanisms, specifically in how it handles data processing and storage operations. The flaw allows an authenticated remote attacker to manipulate memory boundaries through carefully crafted inputs, potentially leading to severe system compromise. CODESYS products are widely deployed in industrial control systems and automation environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for operational technology infrastructure. The affected systems typically include various versions of CODESYS Development System, CODESYS Runtime, and related industrial software components used in manufacturing, process control, and automation applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during memory allocation and data handling operations. When legitimate authenticated users submit specially crafted data sequences to the vulnerable CODESYS components, the software fails to validate array indices or buffer limits before writing data to memory locations. This fundamental flaw in input validation creates opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical system data structures, function pointers, or executable code segments. The out-of-bounds write condition can manifest in several ways including stack corruption, heap memory tampering, or data structure overwrites that may ultimately result in arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 as out-of-bounds write conditions, which directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation often requires manipulating execution flow through memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-47379 extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions to encompass potential complete system compromise within industrial environments. In critical infrastructure settings where CODESYS products control manufacturing processes, power generation, or water treatment facilities, exploitation of this vulnerability could result in production halts, safety system failures, or unauthorized access to operational controls. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers typically need valid credentials to exploit the flaw, but these credentials may be obtained through social engineering, credential theft, or other initial compromise techniques. The memory overwriting capabilities present in this vulnerability can lead to unpredictable system behavior, making detection and remediation particularly challenging in complex industrial control networks where system stability is paramount. Organizations using affected CODESYS versions may face significant operational disruptions and potential safety hazards if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-47379 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from CODESYS vendors, as this represents a critical security flaw requiring urgent attention. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to CODESYS systems, enforce strict access controls, and monitor for unusual authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The principle of least privilege should be applied to CODESYS user accounts, restricting access to only necessary functions and reducing the attack surface. Additional defensive measures include implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify anomalous memory access patterns, network traffic analysis for suspicious data sequences, and regular security assessments of industrial control systems. Security teams should also consider deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized code execution and maintain detailed audit logs of all CODESYS access and modifications. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution threat necessitates comprehensive incident response planning, including system recovery procedures and potential network isolation protocols to contain any successful exploitation attempts.