CVE-2023-24014 in CNCSoft-B DOPSoft
Summary
by MITRE • 06/08/2023
Delta Electronics' CNCSoft-B DOPSoft versions 1.0.0.4 and prior are vulnerable to heap-based buffer overflow, which could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2023
Delta Electronics CNCSoft-B DOPSoft versions 1.0.0.4 and earlier contain a critical heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for industrial control systems. This vulnerability resides in the software's handling of user-supplied data within memory allocation routines, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent heap memory locations. The flaw manifests when the application processes malformed input data through its file parsing or data import functions, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The heap-based nature of this overflow means that attackers can manipulate memory layout to redirect program execution flow, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to critical manufacturing processes. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow weakness classification, which is categorized under the broader category of memory safety errors in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The attack surface is particularly concerning for industrial environments where CNCSoft-B DOPSoft is deployed, as these systems often control critical manufacturing equipment and process automation. The operational impact extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify production parameters, disrupt manufacturing workflows, or gain persistent access to industrial control networks. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious file uploads, crafted data imports, or network-based attacks targeting the software's processing functions. The implications for cybersecurity posture are severe, as this flaw could enable adversaries to perform actions consistent with the tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains, potentially allowing for lateral movement within industrial networks and long-term persistence. Organizations using affected versions of DOPSoft must urgently implement mitigations including software updates from Delta Electronics, network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable systems, and enhanced monitoring for suspicious file processing activities.
The vulnerability's exploitation potential is heightened by the industrial nature of the target environment, where system availability and integrity are paramount for production operations. Attackers with access to the software could leverage this heap overflow to establish backdoors, modify critical manufacturing parameters, or disrupt production schedules. The memory corruption characteristics of heap-based overflows make them particularly dangerous because they can be difficult to detect and may not immediately manifest as system crashes, allowing attackers to maintain persistent access without obvious indicators of compromise. Security researchers have noted that similar vulnerabilities in industrial control software have been exploited for nation-state attacks targeting critical infrastructure, making this particular flaw a significant concern for industrial cybersecurity. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that many industrial environments lack the robust security monitoring and incident response capabilities found in traditional enterprise environments, creating additional risk factors for organizations deploying affected software versions. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user privileges to minimize potential exploitation success rates, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other industrial control system components.