CVE-2026-10703 in OpENer
Summary
by MITRE • 06/03/2026
A security vulnerability has been detected in EIPStackGroup OpENer up to 2.3.0. Affected is the function CreateMessageRouterRequestStructure of the file cipmessagerouter.c of the component SendRRData Handler. The manipulation leads to use after free. Remote exploitation of the attack is possible. The exploit has been disclosed publicly and may be used. The project was informed of the problem early through an issue report but has not responded yet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2026
The security vulnerability identified in EIPStackGroup OpENer version 2.3.0 and earlier represents a critical use-after-free condition within the SendRRData Handler component. This flaw exists in the CreateMessageRouterRequestStructure function located in the cipmessagerouter.c file, which forms a fundamental part of the Ethernet/IP communication stack implementation. The vulnerability arises from improper memory management practices where freed memory blocks are accessed after being deallocated, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software development. This type of memory corruption vulnerability occurs when a program continues to reference memory that has already been freed, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate program execution flow or inject malicious payloads. The remote exploitation capability of this vulnerability significantly amplifies its threat level, as attackers can leverage network-based attacks without requiring physical access to the target system. The public disclosure of exploitation techniques further compounds the risk, as malicious actors can readily implement known attack vectors against unpatched systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes or denial of service conditions. Remote exploitation could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems that rely on Ethernet/IP communication protocols, potentially compromising critical infrastructure operations. The vulnerability affects the core message router functionality of the OpENer stack, which handles request and response message processing for Ethernet/IP devices. This means that any device running an affected version of OpENer could become a potential target for remote compromise, with implications for industrial automation and control systems where security is paramount. The lack of response from the project maintainers regarding the issue report creates additional concern, as organizations may be left vulnerable for extended periods without official patches or mitigation guidance.
Organizations utilizing EIPStackGroup OpENer should immediately implement mitigations to protect their systems from potential exploitation. The most effective immediate action involves upgrading to the latest version of the software where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper memory management fixes. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks, following the principle of least privilege as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Additionally, continuous monitoring of network traffic for suspicious activity related to Ethernet/IP communications can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution risk necessitates comprehensive security assessments of all industrial control systems that may be running affected versions of the software, with particular attention to systems that are internet-facing or lack adequate network boundaries.