CVE-2023-3346 in M8V
Summary
by MITRE • 08/03/2023
Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow') vulnerability in MITSUBSHI CNC Series allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to cause Denial of Service (DoS) condition and execute arbitrary code on the product by sending specially crafted packets. In addition, system reset is required for recovery.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3346 represents a classic buffer overflow flaw within the MITSUBISHI CNC Series control systems, classified under CWE-121 as a buffer copy without checking size of input. This critical weakness exists in the network communication handling mechanisms of these industrial control devices, specifically affecting the processing of incoming packets from external sources. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of input data size before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory regions.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to leverage specially crafted network packets to trigger the buffer overflow condition. When the CNC system processes these malformed packets, the unchecked input data exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting critical system memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures. This memory corruption directly enables the execution of arbitrary code on the affected system, providing attackers with unauthorized access to the industrial control environment. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability eliminates the need for physical access or local credentials, making it particularly dangerous in industrial settings where network connectivity is essential for operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-3346 extends beyond simple code execution to include severe denial of service conditions that can halt production processes. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow causes the CNC system to crash or become unresponsive, requiring manual intervention and system reset for recovery. This disruption can result in significant manufacturing downtime, production delays, and potential safety risks in environments where precise control is essential. The requirement for system reset indicates that the vulnerability can cause persistent system instability rather than just temporary disruptions. In industrial control systems, such vulnerabilities pose risks to operational technology infrastructure and can compromise the integrity of manufacturing processes, particularly in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery where CNC operations are fundamental to production workflows.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate network segmentation to limit access to CNC systems from untrusted networks, implementing robust input validation mechanisms to prevent buffer overflows, and applying vendor-provided security patches as soon as they become available. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other industrial control system components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1203 as Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for defensive measures that address both network-level protection and application-level input sanitization to prevent successful exploitation attempts.