CVE-2024-28286 in libiec61850
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2024
In mz-automation libiec61850 v1.4.0, a NULL Pointer Dereference was detected in the mmsServer_handleFileCloseRequest.c function of src/mms/iso_mms/server/mms_file_service.c. The vulnerability manifests as SEGV and causes the application to crash
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28286 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the mz-automation libiec61850 library version 1.4.0. This issue specifically affects the mmsServer_handleFileCloseRequest.c function located in the src/mms/iso_mms/server/mms_file_service.c source file, indicating a fundamental failure in the library's handling of file closure requests within the IEC 61850 communication protocol implementation. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms that fail to properly check for null pointer conditions before attempting to dereference memory addresses.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when the MMS (Manufacturing Message Specification) server component receives a file close request that triggers the mmsServer_handleFileCloseRequest function. During normal operation, this function should validate all incoming parameters and handle potential error conditions gracefully. However, the flaw exists in the code path where the function fails to verify that certain pointer variables contain valid memory references before attempting to access their contents. When a maliciously crafted MMS file close request is processed, the application attempts to dereference a null pointer, resulting in a segmentation fault or SEGV signal that terminates the process. This behavior aligns with CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference vulnerabilities, and represents a classic example of improper error handling in network protocol implementations.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-28286 extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially disrupt critical industrial control systems that rely on IEC 61850 standards for communication. In environments where this library is deployed for substation automation, process control, or energy management systems, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to cause denial of service conditions that may lead to operational disruptions. The vulnerability affects systems implementing the MMS file service functionality, which is commonly used for transferring configuration files, firmware updates, and other critical data between IEC 61850 compliant devices. Given that these systems often operate in real-time environments with strict uptime requirements, such a crash could have cascading effects on the overall system stability and safety. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a denial of service attack vector under the T1499 category, specifically targeting system availability through process termination.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28286 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected library version to the latest available release that addresses this null pointer dereference issue. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running vulnerable versions of libiec61850, particularly in industrial control environments where the attack surface is more constrained. Additionally, implementing robust input validation at the application level and deploying intrusion detection systems that monitor for anomalous MMS file service requests can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The fix should involve adding proper null pointer checks before dereferencing any pointers within the mmsServer_handleFileCloseRequest function, ensuring that all memory access operations are validated against null conditions. System administrators should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all IEC 61850 implementations within their infrastructure to identify and remediate similar issues that may exist in other components of the communication stack.