A critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability has been discovered in the open-source OpenPLC system, specifically in its EtherNet/IP parser functionality. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-34026, has been assigned a CVSS score of 9.0, marking it as highly severe. The flaw occurs when a specially crafted EtherNet/IP request is sent to the OpenPLC Runtime, causing it to overwrite the allocated memory buffer and potentially lead to remote code execution. This kind of vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, which could have serious security implications.
The flaw is triggered when an attacker sends an unsupported command code with an EtherNet/IP request, along with a valid encapsulation header and at least 500 bytes of data. As a result, the data overwrites the stack memory, which could lead to further exploitation if proper security precautions are not in place on the affected system. Depending on the specific host configurations and security measures in place, attackers could escalate their attack to execute malicious code or cause system crashes, leading to potential disruptions in automation and control operations.
OpenPLC, an open-source programmable logic controller, is commonly used in automation applications such as home automation, industrial security research, and various control systems. The platform consists of two main components: the Runtime and the Editor. The Runtime supports a variety of communication protocols, including Modbus and EtherNet/IP, and is deployable on multiple platforms like Windows, Linux, and microcontrollers. The vulnerability discovered affects the OpenPLC Runtime, which processes EtherNet/IP requests for industrial communication, thus increasing the potential impact on industries relying on this technology.
The flaw is primarily in the handling of EtherNet/IP command codes that are either invalid or unsupported. When such requests are received, the system logs the message and proceeds without fully validating or processing it, allowing the stack overflow to occur. This oversight in the error-handling mechanism presents a significant attack vector, especially in environments where OpenPLC is used for critical control and automation. If exploited, this vulnerability could cause not only operational disruption but also lead to further malicious activities in industrial environments.
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