CVE-2024-11610 Overview
CVE-2024-11610 is a memory corruption vulnerability in the AutomationDirect C-More EA9 human-machine interface (HMI) programming software. The flaw exists in the parser that handles EAP9 project files and stems from missing validation of user-supplied data ([CWE-119]). An attacker who convinces an engineer or operator to open a crafted EAP9 file can execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process. The issue was reported through Trend Micro's Zero Day Initiative as ZDI-CAN-24773 and published in Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-24-1674.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation yields arbitrary code execution on engineering workstations used to program industrial C-More EA9 HMI panels, providing a foothold into operational technology (OT) environments.
Affected Products
- AutomationDirect C-More EA9 programming software and EA9-T6CL / T8CL / T10CL / T10WCL / T12CL / T15CL / T15CL-R / T6CL-R firmware
- AutomationDirect C-More EA9-RHMI remote HMI firmware
- Engineering workstations that open or import EAP9 project files
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-30 - CVE-2024-11610 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-11610
Vulnerability Analysis
The C-More EA9 programming software parses proprietary EAP9 project files that describe HMI screens, tags, and runtime configuration. The parser reads length and offset fields from the file and copies data into fixed-size in-memory structures without validating that the values fall within expected bounds. A crafted EAP9 file corrupts adjacent memory, allowing an attacker to overwrite control data such as function pointers or return addresses. The result is arbitrary code execution inside the C-More EA9 process on the engineer's workstation, with the same privileges as the logged-in user.
Root Cause
The underlying weakness is an improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer ([CWE-119]). Fields inside the EAP9 container are trusted at face value, and no sanity checks constrain them against the true buffer size before write operations occur. This class of defect is common in binary file parsers written in unmanaged languages where structure sizes and offsets are computed manually.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local user interaction: the target must open a malicious EAP9 file or visit a page that delivers one. Typical delivery vectors include spear-phishing messages to controls engineers, malicious project files hosted on integrator portals, and USB media exchanged between vendors and plant operators. Once a payload runs on the engineering workstation, the attacker can pivot toward the HMI panels the workstation programs, harvest project files, or move laterally into the wider industrial control system (ICS) network.
No verified public proof-of-concept is available. Refer to Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-24-1674 and CERT VDE Bulletin #2182 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-11610
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by the C-More EA9 programming software executable shortly after an EAP9 file is opened
- EAP9 files arriving via email, chat, or removable media from outside established engineering workflows
- Crash dumps or Windows Error Reporting events referencing the C-More EA9 process with access-violation exceptions
- Outbound network connections from engineering workstations to non-corporate infrastructure following project file activity
Detection Strategies
- Alert on process-tree anomalies where the C-More EA9 process launches interpreters such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, wscript.exe, or rundll32.exe
- Inspect email and file-share gateways for .eap9 attachments and quarantine those from untrusted senders
- Correlate application crashes in the C-More EA9 binary with subsequent code-execution or persistence behavior on the same host
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward endpoint process, file, and module-load telemetry from engineering workstations to a centralized analytics platform for retention and hunting
- Baseline normal C-More EA9 usage patterns, including which users open project files and from which paths, and alert on deviations
- Monitor egress from the OT engineering subnet for connections to unapproved destinations after project files are opened
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-11610
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the C-More EA9 programming software to the fixed version identified in CERT VDE Bulletin #2182 and the AutomationDirect security notice
- Restrict use of the programming software to a dedicated engineering workstation that is isolated from general-purpose email and web browsing
- Instruct engineers to open EAP9 files only from verified sources and to validate file provenance before use
Patch Information
AutomationDirect has released an updated version of the C-More EA9 programming software that addresses the parsing flaw. Consult CERT VDE Bulletin #2182 and Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-24-1674 for the exact fixed release and download instructions. Apply the update on every workstation that opens EA9 project files.
Workarounds
- Block .eap9 attachments at email and web gateways until all engineering workstations are patched
- Run the C-More EA9 software under a standard user account, not a local administrator, to limit post-exploitation impact
- Enforce application allowlisting on engineering workstations so that child processes spawned by the C-More EA9 binary cannot execute unapproved payloads
- Segment the ICS engineering network from corporate IT using firewall rules aligned with ISA/IEC 62443 zones and conduits
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
