CVE-2020-10599
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in VISAM VBASE Editor and Web-Remote Module allows attackers to exploit a vulnerable ActiveX component via buffer overflow. Successful exploitation could lead to denial-of-service or arbitrary code execution. Organizations using VBASE version 11.5.0.2 for industrial control systems are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- VISAM VBASE Editor
- VBASE Web-Remote Module
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise allowing remote code execution with SYSTEM privileges, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate industrial processes or exfiltrate sensitive data.
Likely Case
Denial-of-service affecting VBASE functionality, disrupting industrial operations and requiring system restoration.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and security controls preventing exploitation attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Buffer overflow vulnerabilities in ActiveX components are typically easy to exploit once details are known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 11.5.0.3 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.us-cert.gov/ics/advisories/icsa-20-084-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download VBASE version 11.5.0.3 or later from VISAM. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Install the update following vendor instructions. 4. Restart affected systems. 5. Verify functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable ActiveX in Internet Explorer
windowsPrevents exploitation by disabling the vulnerable ActiveX component
Open Internet Options > Security tab > Custom Level > Set 'Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe' to Disable
Network segmentation
allIsolate VBASE systems from untrusted networks
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate VBASE systems
- Deploy application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check VBASE version in Help > About menu. If version is 11.5.0.2, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Not applicable - check via GUI Help > About menuVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version shows 11.5.0.3 or later in Help > About menu.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected process crashes in VBASE
- Unusual network connections to VBASE Web-Remote port
Network Indicators:
- Traffic patterns indicating buffer overflow attempts to VBASE services
SIEM Query:
source="vbase" AND (event_type="crash" OR event_type="exception")