CVE-2024-11609 in C-More EA9 Programming Software
Summary
by MITRE • 01/30/2025
AutomationDirect C-More EA9 EAP9 File Parsing Stack-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of AutomationDirect C-More EA9. 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 EAP9 files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a fixed-length stack-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-24772.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2025
The CVE-2024-11609 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in AutomationDirect C-More EA9 EAP9 file parsing functionality that enables remote code execution. This vulnerability specifically affects the processing of EAP9 files within the AutomationDirect C-More EA9 software platform, which is widely used in industrial automation environments for human machine interface (HMI) applications. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation during file parsing operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system remotely. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue means that attackers can potentially gain full control over affected systems without requiring physical access, making it particularly dangerous in industrial control systems where security is paramount. The vulnerability was identified and tracked as ZDI-CAN-24772, indicating its recognition within the cybersecurity community's vulnerability tracking systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the stack-based buffer management during EAP9 file processing. When the software parses user-supplied data from EAP9 files, it fails to properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition arises because the application does not enforce bounds checking on the data being processed, allowing an attacker to supply more data than the allocated buffer space can accommodate. The overflow occurs in the stack memory region, where the excess data overwrites adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control information. This memory corruption directly enables attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow and inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the affected process. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction through visiting a malicious page or opening a malicious file, making it a client-side attack vector that leverages social engineering techniques to deliver the payload.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-11609 extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise entire industrial control systems that rely on AutomationDirect C-More EA9 for operational monitoring and control. In industrial environments, these HMI systems often serve as critical interfaces between operators and complex machinery, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous. The vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate industrial processes, access sensitive operational data, or disrupt critical manufacturing operations. Given that the software is commonly deployed in environments such as manufacturing plants, process control facilities, and infrastructure monitoring systems, the potential for cascading effects is significant. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can target these systems from external networks without requiring physical presence or insider access, significantly expanding the attack surface. The requirement for user interaction to initiate exploitation suggests that phishing campaigns or malicious website delivery methods could be employed to compromise systems, making this vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against in operational technology environments where user training and awareness may be limited.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying vendor-provided patches and updates to address the vulnerability in AutomationDirect C-More EA9 software installations. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks and users. Security monitoring should be increased to detect suspicious file access patterns or attempts to access EAP9 files from unknown sources. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework for software security flaws. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving execution through social engineering and remote service exploitation, particularly the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter execution and T1203 for exploitation for execution. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict the execution of unauthorized EAP9 file processing applications and establish robust incident response procedures to handle potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature as a file parsing issue also highlights the importance of validating all user-supplied data and implementing proper input sanitization measures in industrial automation software to prevent similar issues in other components of the operational technology infrastructure.