CVE-2024-47135 in Kostac PLC Programming Software
Summary
by MITRE • 10/03/2024
Stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in Kostac PLC Programming Software (Former name: Koyo PLC Programming Software) Version 1.6.14.0 and earlier. Having a user open a specially crafted project file which was saved using Kostac PLC Programming Software Version 1.6.9.0 and earlier may cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition, arbitrary code execution, and/or information disclosure because the issues exist in parsing of KPP project files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-47135 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Kostac PLC Programming Software, formerly known as Koyo PLC Programming Software, affecting versions 1.6.14.0 and earlier. This software serves as a programming interface for programmable logic controllers in industrial control systems, making it a potential target for attackers seeking to compromise critical infrastructure. The vulnerability manifests when a user opens a specially crafted project file that was created using Kostac PLC Programming Software version 1.6.9.0 or earlier, creating a dangerous attack vector that could be exploited in industrial environments where these systems are deployed.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation during the parsing of KPP project files, which are the native file format used by this software for storing PLC programming projects. When the vulnerable software attempts to process maliciously constructed project files, it fails to properly bounds-check data being read from the file, leading to a stack-based buffer overflow condition. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the program stack. The overflow can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data structures, providing attackers with opportunities for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions to encompass serious security implications including arbitrary code execution and information disclosure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain complete control over the system running the vulnerable software, potentially allowing them to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the application. This is particularly concerning in industrial control environments where PLC programming software may be running on systems with elevated privileges or connected to critical infrastructure components. The information disclosure aspect of the vulnerability could expose sensitive project data, programming logic, or configuration details that could be leveraged for further attacks against the industrial control system.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploits for execution through the manipulation of memory, and T1059, which addresses command and scripting interpreters. The attack surface is particularly dangerous because it can be delivered through social engineering tactics, where an unsuspecting user might open a malicious project file that appears legitimate. The vulnerability is especially concerning in environments where industrial control systems are not properly isolated from general computing networks, as it could serve as an initial access point for more sophisticated attacks against operational technology infrastructure. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, access controls, and regular software updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure software development practices and proper input validation in industrial control system software, as these applications often operate in environments where security considerations may be secondary to operational requirements.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal user interaction, as it only requires opening a maliciously crafted project file, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted project files or where automated download mechanisms exist. The buffer overflow could potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code in the context of the user running the software, which could then be used to establish persistence, escalate privileges, or exfiltrate data from the industrial control environment. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors targeting industrial control systems, as it provides a straightforward path to compromising the integrity and availability of critical infrastructure operations.