CVE-2022-47387 in Control
Summary
by MITRE • 05/15/2023
An authenticated remote attacker may use a stack based out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the CmpTraceMgr Component of multiple CODESYS products in multiple versions to write data into the stack 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-2022-47387 represents a critical stack-based out-of-bounds write flaw within the CmpTraceMgr component of various CODESYS products. This issue affects multiple versions of the CODESYS software suite, which is widely utilized in industrial automation and embedded systems environments. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management practices within the component responsible for trace management operations. Attackers who have authenticated access to the system can exploit this weakness to manipulate memory locations beyond the intended stack boundaries, creating potential pathways for system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where data is written beyond the allocated stack memory boundaries. The flaw manifests when the CmpTraceMgr component processes user-supplied data without adequate bounds checking, allowing an authenticated attacker to craft malicious input that triggers the out-of-bounds write condition. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it can potentially enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The stack-based nature of the vulnerability means that the attacker can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, and local variables, which can result in unpredictable system behavior.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to industrial control systems and embedded devices that rely on CODESYS for automation and control functions. The potential impact ranges from denial-of-service conditions that can disrupt critical operations to full system compromise through remote code execution capabilities. The authenticated requirement for exploitation somewhat limits the attack surface compared to unauthenticated vulnerabilities, but in industrial environments where access controls may be less stringent or where credential theft is possible, the risk remains substantial. Organizations using affected CODESYS versions may experience production halts, data integrity issues, and potential safety system failures that could lead to physical damage or environmental hazards.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-47387 should prioritize immediate patch management through official CODESYS updates and security advisories. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to affected systems and enforce strict authentication controls to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Additionally, deploying intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious trace management activities may help identify exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify the effectiveness of implemented controls, while system administrators should monitor for unusual memory access patterns or system instability that could indicate exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in industrial software and highlights the need for continuous security monitoring in operational technology environments where the stakes of system compromise are particularly high.