CVE-2022-3181 - Trihedral VTScada Improper Input Validation Vulnerability: Exploit Details, Code Snippets, and References

Today, we will discuss a newly discovered vulnerability, CVE-2022-3181, found in Trihedral VTScada software version 12..38 and prior. This vulnerability is categorized as an Improper Input Validation, which could cause a crash in the affected VTScada system if a specially crafted HTTP request is sent to it. Both LAN-only and internet-facing systems are equally vulnerable, making this a critical issue to address. Let's explore the exploit details, code snippets, and relevant references to help users better understand and mitigate this vulnerability.

Exploit Details

This vulnerability is specifically related to the way that VTScada systems process HTTP requests. Attackers can send a specially crafted HTTP request to the system, exploiting the Improper Input Validation vulnerability. If successful, the attack can potentially cause the VTScada system to crash, leading to service disruption and potential data loss.

To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would have to intentionally craft a malformed HTTP request and target the vulnerable VTScada system. The vulnerable code would not be checking input data correctly, thus enabling the attacker to manipulate the process and cause a crash. While the exact crafted HTTP request details are not disclosed here to avoid presenting a ready-made exploit, the general idea would involve sending parameters that exceed the expected limits, causing a buffer overflow or memory corruption.

Code Snippets

The following code snippets help demonstrate the vulnerability in a general sense. They do not depict the specifics of the VTScada software. Instead, it offers a representation of how this type of vulnerability might affect an application.

// Example: Improper Input Validation in a C-based program
void process_request(char *input, int input_len) {
    char buffer[256];

    // No Input length check, potentially allows buffer overflow
    memcpy(buffer, input, input_len);
    process_buffer(buffer);
}

int main(int argc, char *argv[]) {
    char input_data[512] = {};
    int input_len = 512;

    // Simulate receiving a specially crafted HTTP request (not shown here)
    receive_http_request(input_data, &input_len);

    // Process the request, potentially causing a crash
    process_request(input_data, input_len);

    return ;
}

Links to Original References

1. NIST National Vulnerability Database (NVD) - Provides an overview and technical details of the vulnerability.
  NVD - CVE-2022-3181

2. Trihedral VTScada - The vendor's website, where users can find software updates and additional information.
  Trihedral VTScada

3. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) - Offers guidance and alerts regarding cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
  CISA Alert: CVE-2022-3181

Conclusion

CVE-2022-3181 exposes a critical Improper Input Validation vulnerability in Trihedral VTScada systems. Both LAN-only and internet-facing systems may be affected, increasing the risk of service disruption and data loss. To mitigate the vulnerability, users should promptly update their Trihedral VTScada software to the latest version and employ best-practice cybersecurity measures. Staying aware of the latest vulnerabilities and having robust security in place will help protect your systems from potential threats.

Timeline

Published on: 11/02/2022 21:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/04/2022 01:44:00 UTC