CVE-2026-13197 in piControl
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2026
Nozomi Networks Labs identified a CWE-362: Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization ('Race Condition') vulnerability in the configuration and process-image management functionality of KUNBUS piControl in version 2.6.2 that allows a local authenticated attacker to trigger use-after-free and invalid pointer dereferences on kernel configuration objects, resulting in kernel memory corruption and denial of service, by issuing concurrent crafted requests through the piControl character device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2026
The vulnerability identified in KUNBUS piControl version 2.6.2 represents a critical race condition flaw classified as CWE-362 that affects the system's configuration and process-image management functionality. This vulnerability exists within the kernel-level interaction with the piControl character device, creating a dangerous scenario where multiple concurrent operations can interfere with each other due to improper synchronization mechanisms. The race condition manifests when authenticated local users submit crafted requests simultaneously, exploiting weaknesses in how the system manages shared resources during configuration updates and process-image modifications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient protection mechanisms around kernel objects that manage device configuration states and process execution contexts. When multiple concurrent requests attempt to access and modify the same kernel configuration objects, the lack of proper mutual exclusion leads to situations where freed memory locations are still being referenced or where operations occur on objects that have already been deallocated. This improper synchronization creates use-after-free conditions where pointers reference memory that has been freed but not yet reallocated, and invalid pointer dereferences that attempt to access memory locations that no longer contain valid data structures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability to potentially compromise the entire device functionality through kernel memory corruption and denial of service conditions. Local authenticated attackers can leverage this weakness to cause system crashes, application hangs, or even more severe disruptions that may require manual intervention for recovery. The kernel-level nature of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation could lead to complete system shutdowns, rendering the piControl device unusable until reboot or manual cleanup operations are performed, which directly impacts industrial automation and control systems where uptime is critical.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper synchronization mechanisms throughout the kernel driver code to prevent concurrent access to shared resources without adequate protection. The solution requires adding mutex locks, spinlocks, or other appropriate concurrency control primitives around all critical sections that modify configuration objects or process-image data structures. Additionally, input validation and request queuing mechanisms should be implemented to ensure that concurrent operations are properly serialized rather than executed simultaneously. Organizations should also consider updating to patched versions of the piControl software where appropriate synchronization has been implemented, following the principle of least privilege for character device access, and implementing monitoring solutions to detect anomalous concurrent request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through kernel exploits, denial of service attacks targeting system stability, and credential abuse via local authentication mechanisms. The attack surface is particularly concerning in industrial environments where KUNBUS piControl devices operate as part of critical infrastructure, making the potential for cascading failures and operational disruptions significant. Security practitioners should also consider the broader implications of such vulnerabilities in embedded systems and industrial control networks, where traditional security controls may be insufficient to protect against kernel-level race conditions that can bypass higher-level protections.