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Eaton HMiSoft VU3

Monitor7.8ICS-CERT ICSA-20-105-01Apr 14, 2020
Attack VectorLocal
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionRequired
Summary

Eaton HMiSoft VU3 contains buffer overflow (CWE-121) and buffer over-read (CWE-125) vulnerabilities in versions 3.00.23 and earlier. Successful exploitation could crash the device and may allow remote code execution or information disclosure. The vulnerabilities are triggered through social engineering (opening untrusted files or clicking malicious links) and require local access—they are not remotely exploitable. Eaton discontinued HMiVU on December 31, 2018, marked it end-of-life, and no longer provides security fixes. The product has been replaced by the XV100 and XV300 operator interface lines.

What this means
What could happen
Successful exploitation could crash the HMiSoft VU3 operator interface device, causing loss of visibility into manufacturing processes. An attacker could also execute arbitrary code on the device or disclose sensitive information.
Who's at risk
Manufacturing facilities using Eaton HMiSoft VU3 operator interface devices for process monitoring and control should prioritize this vulnerability. This affects any plant relying on HMiVU for human-machine interface (HMI) functionality, particularly where the device is connected to engineering workstations or shared networks.
How it could be exploited
An attacker with local access to the device must trick a user into opening a malicious file or interacting with a social engineering attempt (phishing email, untrusted attachment). The local file or interaction triggers a buffer overflow or buffer over-read condition, potentially allowing code execution or information disclosure.
Prerequisites
  • Local access to the device
  • User interaction required (must open untrusted file or click malicious link)
  • HMiSoft VU3 software version 3.00.23 or earlier
No patch available (end-of-life product)Requires user interaction (social engineering attack)Local access only (not remotely exploitable)Affects operator interface / visibility systemsBuffer overflow and buffer over-read vulnerabilities
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.2%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
HMiSoft VU3:≤ 3.00.23No fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/3
Do now
0/1
WORKAROUNDDo not open untrusted files or attachments with the HMiSoft VU3 device; train users to recognize and avoid phishing and social engineering attempts
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HOTFIXMigrate from HMiSoft VU3 to Eaton XV100 or XV300 operator interface products; contact Eaton sales or Technical Resource Center (1-877-ETN-CARE) for migration assistance
Mitigations - no patch available
0/1
HMiSoft VU3: has reached End of Life. The vendor will not release a patch. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGRestrict local access to operator interface devices through physical security and network segmentation; implement defense-in-depth strategies for ICS environments
View full CISA ICS-CERT advisory
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