CVE-2023-5394 in Experion Server
Summary
by MITRE • 04/11/2024
Server receiving a malformed message that where the GCL message hostname may be too large which may cause a stack overflow; resulting in possible remote code execution. Honeywell recommends updating to the most recent version of the product. See Honeywell Security Notification for recommendations on upgrading and versioning.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2024
This vulnerability resides in Honeywell security systems where a server processes GCL (Generic Communication Layer) messages containing hostname information. The flaw manifests when the hostname field within these messages exceeds acceptable size limits, creating a condition that can lead to stack buffer overflow. The technical implementation appears to lack proper input validation and size checking mechanisms for hostname data, allowing malicious actors to craft oversized messages that exceed the allocated stack buffer space. This specific vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses documented in CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations. The attack vector involves remote communication with the vulnerable server, where an attacker can send specially crafted GCL messages to trigger the overflow condition.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable remote code execution on affected systems. When the stack overflow occurs, it can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers, providing attackers with opportunities to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service. This represents a critical security risk for Honeywell security infrastructure, as these systems often operate in sensitive environments where unauthorized code execution could compromise physical security measures. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain code execution, and T1072, focusing on software deployment methods that leverage existing system access. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries need not have physical access to the systems, making this particularly concerning for networked security infrastructures.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching and upgrading to the latest Honeywell product versions as recommended in their security notifications. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable systems and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious GCL message patterns. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation controls on all incoming communication channels, establishing rate limiting mechanisms to prevent rapid exploitation attempts, and conducting thorough network monitoring for unusual communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review and test their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation of this vulnerability, particularly in environments where Honeywell security systems are deployed for critical infrastructure protection. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in security-critical applications, aligning with industry best practices for preventing buffer overflow exploits.