CVE-2020-16217 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Advantech WebAccess HMI Designer, Versions 2.1.9.31 and prior, is affected by a double free vulnerability that could lead to remote code execution, information disclosure/modification, or application crashes.

Understanding CVE-2020-16217

This CVE involves a critical security issue in Advantech WebAccess HMI Designer software.

What is CVE-2020-16217?

The vulnerability in Advantech WebAccess HMI Designer, Versions 2.1.9.31 and earlier, stems from a double free vulnerability triggered by processing malicious project files. This flaw could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code, access or alter sensitive data, or disrupt the application's functionality.

The Impact of CVE-2020-16217

The exploitation of this vulnerability could have severe consequences, including unauthorized remote code execution, potential exposure or manipulation of confidential information, and system instability due to application crashes.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-16217

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is classified as a DOUBLE FREE CWE-415 issue, indicating a memory corruption flaw caused by improper handling of memory allocation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Advantech WebAccess HMI Designer
Versions Affected: 2.1.9.31 and prior

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by processing specially crafted project files, triggering the double free condition and potentially leading to the aforementioned security risks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-16217 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches or updates provided by the vendor promptly.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users and IT staff on secure coding practices and the importance of software updates.
Deploy intrusion detection and prevention systems to detect and block malicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Advantech regarding CVE-2020-16217.
Regularly check for patches or new versions released by the vendor to address the vulnerability.