CVE-2025-4098 in Cscape
Summary
by MITRE • 05/08/2025
Horner Automation Cscape version 10.0 (10.0.415.2) SP1 is vulnerable to an out-of-bounds read vulnerability that could allow an attacker to disclose information and execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Cscape.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-4098 affects Horner Automation Cscape version 10.0 build 10.0.415.2 SP1, representing a critical out-of-bounds read condition that exposes the system to potential information disclosure and remote code execution attacks. This flaw resides within the software's handling of input data structures, where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious actors to manipulate memory access patterns and potentially extract sensitive information from the application's memory space. The vulnerability impacts installations where Cscape is deployed as a supervisory control and data acquisition system, commonly used in industrial automation environments for process control and monitoring. Such systems typically operate in high-security environments where unauthorized access can lead to operational disruptions or safety hazards, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for critical infrastructure deployments.
The technical implementation of this out-of-bounds read vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of input parameters within the application's memory management routines. When processing specific data inputs, the software fails to properly verify array boundaries or buffer limits before accessing memory locations, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious payloads that trigger memory access violations. This flaw allows attackers to read memory contents beyond intended boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data such as encryption keys, authentication credentials, or system configuration information. The vulnerability's exploitation capability extends beyond simple information disclosure to include remote code execution, as the out-of-bounds memory access can be manipulated to alter program execution flow and inject malicious code into the target system's memory space. The attack surface is particularly significant in industrial control systems where Cscape is deployed, as these environments often lack traditional security controls and may have limited network segmentation.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-4098 extends beyond immediate exploitation to encompass broader security implications for industrial control systems and operational technology environments. Organizations utilizing Horner Automation Cscape in manufacturing, process control, or other industrial applications face potential risks including unauthorized access to critical process data, disruption of automated operations, and possible compromise of safety-critical systems. The vulnerability's characteristics align with common attack patterns documented in the attack technique framework, particularly those related to memory corruption vulnerabilities and privilege escalation. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to industrial networks where traditional endpoint protection solutions may not be fully deployed or effective. The impact is amplified in environments where multiple interconnected systems rely on Cscape for monitoring and control, as successful exploitation could potentially lead to cascading failures across the operational technology infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-4098 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the vendor-provided security update. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to Cscape installations and establish monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index values, and can be addressed through proper bounds checking implementation and input validation measures. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting network access to affected systems until patches are deployed. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their industrial control systems to identify other potential memory corruption vulnerabilities that may exist in similar industrial automation software. The remediation approach should include comprehensive testing of patches in non-production environments before deployment to ensure operational continuity. From an attack prevention standpoint, implementing network-based intrusion detection systems and monitoring for anomalous memory access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts and provide early warning of potential compromise.