CVE-2023-5396 in Experion Server
Summary
by MITRE • 04/17/2024
Server receiving a malformed message creates connection for a hostname that may cause a stack overflow resulting in possible remote code execution. See Honeywell Security Notification for recommendations on upgrading and versioning.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2024
This vulnerability resides in a server application that processes incoming messages without proper validation of message structure and content. The flaw manifests when the server receives a specially crafted malformed message that triggers an unusual connection attempt to a hostname. This hostname parameter is then processed through a function that does not properly validate input length or format, leading to a stack buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the protocol level where message parsing occurs, making it accessible to remote attackers who can craft malicious payloads without requiring authentication or prior access to the system. The stack overflow occurs when the server attempts to allocate memory on the stack for processing the hostname, but the malformed input exceeds the allocated buffer size. This memory corruption can overwrite adjacent stack variables and potentially the return address of the calling function, which provides a pathway for remote code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the server's message parsing routine failing to perform adequate bounds checking on hostname parameters extracted from received messages. When the server processes the malformed input, it passes the hostname to a function that uses a fixed-size buffer on the stack without proper validation of input length. This creates a classic stack buffer overflow scenario where the attacker can control the overflow to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which represents a well-known and dangerous class of memory corruption vulnerabilities. The attack vector is particularly effective because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed over the network, making it suitable for automated exploitation tools. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers can gain complete control over the affected server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate system compromise to include broader security implications for organizations relying on affected server software. Remote code execution capabilities enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network perimeter. The vulnerability affects systems that process external communications and handle hostname resolution as part of their normal operations, which includes web servers, application servers, and network infrastructure devices. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues if the vulnerability leads to data breaches, as the exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information. The potential for widespread impact exists because many server applications are deployed across multiple environments and may be exposed to untrusted network traffic. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The attack chain typically involves initial reconnaissance, crafting of malicious payloads, and execution of commands through the compromised server.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary recommendation involves applying vendor-provided patches or updates that contain fixed implementations of message parsing routines with proper bounds checking and input validation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks. Input validation mechanisms should be strengthened at multiple layers including application-level validation, network-level filtering, and proxy-based message inspection. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual connection patterns or malformed message attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the infrastructure. The implementation of defensive measures such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and non-executable stack protections can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to handle potential exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities, including forensic analysis capabilities and rapid response protocols for containing compromised systems.