CVE-2020-12497: Phoenix Contact Automationworx PLCOpen XML File Parsing Stack-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
PLCopen XML file parsing in Phoenix Contact PC Worx and PC Worx Express version 1.87 and earlier can lead to a stack-based overflow. Manipulated PC Worx projects could lead to a remote code execution due to insufficient input data validation.
Other sources
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Phoenix Contact Automationworx. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of PLCOpen XML files. When parsing the pou element, the process does not properly validate the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a fixed-length stack-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process.
— ZDI
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Phoenix Contact Automationworx. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of XML files. When parsing the name attribute of a pou element, the process does not properly validate the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a fixed-length stack-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process.
— ZDI
Affected Software
Remediation
Information
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the vulnerability ID of this vulnerability?
The vulnerability ID is CVE-2020-12497.
What is the severity of CVE-2020-12497?
The severity of CVE-2020-12497 is high with a severity value of 7.8.
Which software is affected by CVE-2020-12497?
Phoenix Contact Automationworx versions up to exclusive 1.87 and Phoenix Contact PC Worx versions up to inclusive 1.87 are affected.
How can this vulnerability be exploited?
This vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers who can execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Phoenix Contact Automationworx.
Is user interaction required to exploit CVE-2020-12497?
Yes, user interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability. The target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.