CVE-2024-5602 in IO Trace Tool
Summary
by MITRE • 07/23/2024
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability due to a missing bounds check in the NI I/O Trace Tool may result in arbitrary code execution. Successful exploitation requires an attacker to provide a user with a specially crafted nitrace file.
The NI I/O Trace tool is installed as part of the NI System Configuration utilities included with many NI software products. Refer to the NI Security Advisory for identifying the version of NI IO Trace.exe installed. The NI I/O Trace tool was also previously released as NI Spy.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-5602 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the National Instruments I/O Trace tool, specifically affecting the NI IO Trace.exe executable. This flaw stems from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms within the application's handling of specially crafted nitrace files, creating a significant security risk that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability exists within the context of industrial automation and test equipment software where such tools are commonly deployed in critical infrastructure environments. The affected component is part of the broader NI System Configuration utilities suite, which forms part of various National Instruments software products used across multiple industries including aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. The presence of this vulnerability in widely deployed industrial software tools creates a substantial risk for organizations that rely on National Instruments equipment for their operational technology infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the NI I/O Trace tool processes user-supplied nitrace files without adequate validation of input data length or boundaries. This missing bounds check allows an attacker to craft malicious input files that exceed the allocated stack buffer space, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability manifests through the application's failure to properly validate the size of incoming data structures within the nitrace file format, enabling attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control flow data. The attack vector requires physical or network access to provide a specially crafted nitrace file to a user, making it a user-initiated privilege escalation vulnerability that can be particularly dangerous in environments where users may not be security-aware. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-5602 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to potentially compromise entire industrial control systems and operational technology networks. Organizations utilizing National Instruments equipment in critical infrastructure environments face significant risk of unauthorized access, data manipulation, and system compromise when this vulnerability is exploited. The vulnerability affects installations where the NI I/O Trace tool is actively used for system diagnostics and configuration, which typically includes environments with high-security requirements and sensitive operational data. Attackers could potentially gain persistent access to industrial systems, disrupt operations, or escalate privileges to gain administrative control over affected systems. The presence of this vulnerability in tools previously known as NI Spy indicates a long-standing issue that has persisted across multiple versions of the software, suggesting that organizations may have been exposed to this risk for extended periods without proper mitigation. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these tools are commonly used in environments where system integrity and security are paramount, such as in process control systems, embedded systems, and real-time applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-5602 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems through National Instruments security updates and software releases. Organizations must conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all installations of the NI I/O Trace tool and related System Configuration utilities, particularly those deployed in critical operational environments. The recommended approach includes implementing strict file validation procedures and user access controls to prevent unauthorized nitrace file execution, along with network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. Security teams should also consider disabling the tool in environments where it is not essential for operations and implement monitoring for suspicious file execution patterns. Organizations should follow the National Instruments Security Advisory guidance for identifying affected versions and applying appropriate patches, while also considering temporary workarounds such as file extension restrictions or application whitelisting. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) indicates that exploitation could involve PowerShell-based delivery mechanisms or other client-side attack vectors that leverage the buffer overflow for code execution. Additionally, organizations should implement regular security assessments of their industrial control systems to identify similar vulnerabilities in other legacy software components that may present similar risks.