CVE-2023-34269 in FvDesigner
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
Fatek Automation FvDesigner FPJ File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Write Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Fatek Automation FvDesigner. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.
The specific flaw exists within the parsing of FPJ files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a write past the end of an allocated data structure. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-18173.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2025
The CVE-2023-34269 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw in Fatek Automation FvDesigner software that enables remote code execution through improper handling of FPJ file formats. This vulnerability resides within the file parsing mechanism of the automation design software, specifically affecting how the application processes FPJ files that contain project data for Fatek programmable logic controllers. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation during file processing, creating a condition where user-supplied data can overwrite memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 category of out-of-bounds write conditions, which is classified as a critical security weakness that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects systems running Fatek Automation FvDesigner software where FPJ files are processed, potentially impacting industrial control systems and automation environments that rely on this software for programmable logic controller design and configuration.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs during the parsing of FPJ files, where the application fails to properly validate the size and structure of user-supplied data within the file format. When an attacker crafts a malicious FPJ file with malformed data structures, the parsing routine can write data beyond the allocated memory buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program state information. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the FvDesigner process. The attack requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage that hosts the exploit or opening a specially crafted FPJ file, making it a client-side exploitation vector. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute code on target systems. The remote code execution capability is particularly dangerous in industrial environments where FvDesigner is used for critical control system design, as it could potentially compromise the integrity of automation processes and industrial control systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-34269 extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise entire industrial control environments where Fatek automation systems are deployed. Organizations using Fatek FvDesigner for programmable logic controller design face significant risk as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to control system design files, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks targeting the operational technology infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only the software itself but also the broader industrial ecosystem that depends on Fatek automation solutions, as compromised design files could contain sensitive information about control system architectures and operational parameters. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the target environment, making it particularly concerning for industrial organizations that may have limited network segmentation or security monitoring in place. This vulnerability represents a serious threat to industrial cybersecurity frameworks and could potentially lead to supply chain compromises if attackers use it to establish persistence or move laterally within industrial networks. Organizations implementing mitigation strategies must consider both immediate software patches and broader network security measures to protect against potential exploitation of this vulnerability in their industrial control system environments. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure software development practices in industrial automation software, where memory safety and input validation are critical for maintaining system integrity and preventing unauthorized access to operational technology infrastructure.