CVE-2022-3461 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2022-3461, a high-severity buffer overflow vulnerability in PHOENIX CONTACT Automationworx Software Suite up to version 1.89, its impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
Buffer Overflow in PHOENIX CONTACT Automationworx Software Suite
Understanding CVE-2022-3461
This CVE identifier pertains to a buffer overflow vulnerability identified in PHOENIX CONTACT Automationworx Software Suite.
What is CVE-2022-3461?
In the context of PHOENIX CONTACT Automationworx Software Suite up to version 1.89, manipulated PC Worx or Config+ files could potentially result in a heap buffer overflow and a read access violation. This could compromise the availability, integrity, or confidentiality of an application programming workstation through attacks exploiting these vulnerabilities.
The Impact of CVE-2022-3461
The impact of CVE-2022-3461 is classified as a high severity vulnerability according to CVSS v3.1 metrics. It could lead to a compromise in availability, integrity, and confidentiality without the need for user privileges.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-3461
This section delves deeper into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability involves a heap buffer overflow when handling manipulated PC Worx or Config+ files, leading to a risk of read access violations within the Automationworx Software Suite.
Affected Systems and Versions
PHOENIX CONTACT Automationworx Software Suite versions up to 1.89 are affected by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
By manipulating specific files within the software suite, threat actors could execute attacks that trigger heap buffer overflows and compromise the targeted system.
Mitigation and Prevention
Here's how you can mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2022-3461.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade to Automation Worx Software Suite version greater than 1.89 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement strict file validation processes and security controls to prevent malicious file manipulations within the software suite.
Patching and Updates
Regularly apply security patches and updates provided by PHOENIX CONTACT to address known vulnerabilities.