CVE-2023-43819 in DOPSoft
Summary
by MITRE • 01/19/2024
A stack based buffer overflow exists in Delta Electronics Delta Industrial Automation DOPSoft when parsing the InitialMacroLen field of a DPS file. A remote, unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability by enticing a user to open a specially crafted DPS file to achieve remote code execution.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-43819 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within Delta Electronics Delta Industrial Automation DOPSoft software, specifically during the parsing of the InitialMacroLen field within DPS file format structures. This flaw resides in the industrial automation software used for configuring and managing Delta's industrial devices, making it particularly concerning given the operational technology environments where such software operates. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length stack buffer, potentially corrupting adjacent memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a remote, unauthenticated attacker to craft a malicious DPS file containing an oversized InitialMacroLen field value that exceeds the allocated buffer space on the stack. When a victim opens this specially crafted file with the vulnerable DOPSoft application, the excessive data causes a buffer overflow that can overwrite adjacent stack memory, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it only requires social engineering to convince a user to open the malicious file, making it accessible to attackers without requiring network access or authentication credentials. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves gaining access to systems through exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and T1059, which covers execution through command and scripting interpreters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond typical software security concerns due to the industrial control systems environment where DOPSoft operates. Industrial automation systems often control critical infrastructure including manufacturing equipment, power generation facilities, and water treatment plants, where unauthorized code execution could result in significant physical damage, safety hazards, or operational disruptions. The remote code execution capability means attackers could potentially gain persistent access to industrial control networks, enabling them to manipulate device configurations, disrupt operations, or exfiltrate sensitive operational data. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Delta's industrial automation solutions, potentially compromising their entire industrial control system infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-43819 should prioritize immediate patching of affected DOPSoft versions from Delta Electronics, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general network access, reducing the attack surface for remote exploitation attempts. Additionally, security awareness training should be conducted to educate users about the dangers of opening untrusted files, particularly in industrial environments where such software is commonly used. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file access patterns or attempts to execute unauthorized code within industrial environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in industrial software development, particularly around input validation and buffer management, as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines for critical infrastructure protection.