CVE-2022-47389 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 • 06/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-47389 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 deployed in industrial automation and control systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking in the component responsible for managing trace data during application execution, creating a pathway for malicious manipulation of memory structures. The affected CODESYS products operate within industrial environments where reliability and security are paramount, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for operational technology infrastructure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as a stack-based buffer overflow that occurs when the CmpTraceMgr component processes trace information from authenticated users. An attacker who has valid credentials to access the system can exploit this weakness by crafting specific input data that exceeds the allocated stack buffer boundaries. This out-of-bounds write operation can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack variables. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a high-severity issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The attack vector requires authentication, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials to the system before attempting exploitation, but once authenticated, the potential for severe impact increases significantly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can manipulate the program execution flow by overwriting critical memory locations, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The memory overwriting aspect creates opportunities for privilege escalation and persistent access to the industrial control environment. In industrial settings where CODESYS products are deployed for critical infrastructure management, such vulnerabilities can lead to production disruptions, safety system compromise, and potential physical damage to equipment. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in environments where these systems control manufacturing processes, power generation, or other critical operations where system reliability is essential.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-47389 should prioritize immediate patching of affected CODESYS versions as provided by the vendor. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running CODESYS products and enforce strict access controls to minimize the attack surface. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous trace data patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework places it within the privilege escalation and execution domains, requiring defensive measures that address both authentication controls and runtime protection. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation vectors. Additionally, organizations should maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to monitor for any reported exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability in industrial control environments.