CVE-2016-4519
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of Unitronics VisiLogic OPLC IDE. Attackers can trigger a stack-based buffer overflow by sending a specially crafted ZIP archive with a malicious filename field in a vlp file. This affects industrial control system operators using VisiLogic OPLC IDE before version 9.8.30.
💻 Affected Systems
- Unitronics VisiLogic OPLC IDE
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with remote code execution, allowing attackers to take control of industrial control systems, manipulate processes, or disrupt operations.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to data theft, system manipulation, or installation of persistent malware on industrial control systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and access controls preventing exploitation attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability has been weaponized and is relatively easy to exploit due to the straightforward buffer overflow mechanism.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 9.8.30 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-16-175-02
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download VisiLogic OPLC IDE version 9.8.30 or later from Unitronics website. 2. Uninstall previous version. 3. Install the updated version. 4. Restart the system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate VisiLogic OPLC IDE systems from untrusted networks and internet access.
File Validation
windowsImplement strict validation of vlp and ZIP files before processing in VisiLogic IDE.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to prevent remote access to VisiLogic systems
- Use application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check VisiLogic OPLC IDE version in Help > About menu. If version is below 9.8.30, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Not applicable - check through GUI Help > About menuVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 9.8.30 or higher in Help > About menu after installation.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process creation from VisiLogic.exe
- Failed attempts to load corrupted vlp files
- Memory access violations in application logs
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected network connections from VisiLogic systems
- Transfer of suspicious vlp/ZIP files to industrial control systems
SIEM Query:
source="*visilogic*" AND (event_type="process_creation" OR event_type="file_access" OR event_type="memory_violation")