CVE-2025-11780: Critical Stack Overflow Vulnerability in Circutor SGE-PLC

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Overview

CVE-2025-11780 describes a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Circutor SGE-PLC1000 and SGE-PLC50 devices, specifically version 9.0.2. This vulnerability exists within the showMeterReport() function, where user-controlled input is mishandled, leading to potential code execution or denial-of-service conditions. The primary source of the flaw lies in the unchecked copying of user input into a fixed-size buffer using sprintf().

Technical Details

The vulnerability stems from the showMeterReport() function within the Circutor SGE-PLC1000/SGE-PLC50 v9.0.2 firmware. The GetParameter(meter) function retrieves user-supplied input intended for the meter parameter. This input is then directly incorporated into a buffer using the sprintf() function without any prior size validation. As a result, an attacker can provide an excessively large input value for the meter parameter, causing sprintf() to write beyond the bounds of the buffer allocated on the stack. This overwrite leads to a stack-based buffer overflow, potentially enabling the attacker to overwrite critical program data or inject and execute malicious code.

The lack of input sanitization or size validation makes this vulnerability relatively easy to exploit, provided an attacker can supply input to the vulnerable function.

CVSS Analysis

At the time of writing, a CVSS score is not available for CVE-2025-11780. However, given the nature of a stack-based buffer overflow and the potential for remote code execution, a high severity score is anticipated once the relevant metrics are assessed. The ability to potentially remotely execute code without authentication on a PLC device significantly increases the risk associated with this vulnerability.

Possible Impact

Successful exploitation of CVE-2025-11780 can have severe consequences:

  • Remote Code Execution (RCE): An attacker could potentially execute arbitrary code on the PLC device, gaining complete control over its functionality.
  • Denial of Service (DoS): Overwriting critical data on the stack can crash the PLC device, leading to a denial of service.
  • Manipulation of Industrial Processes: By gaining control of the PLC, an attacker could manipulate industrial processes, potentially causing physical damage, safety hazards, or financial losses.
  • Information Disclosure: In some scenarios, the overflow could lead to the disclosure of sensitive information stored in memory.

Mitigation and Patch Steps

To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-11780, the following steps are recommended:

  • Apply the Patch: Circutor has likely released a patch to address this vulnerability. Immediately update SGE-PLC1000/SGE-PLC50 devices to the latest firmware version provided by Circutor. Check the Circutor website for the latest updates and security advisories.
  • Network Segmentation: Isolate the PLC network from the corporate network and the internet to limit the attack surface.
  • Access Control: Implement strong access control measures to restrict access to the PLC devices. Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication where possible.
  • Input Validation: If possible before a patch is applied, rigorously validate and sanitize all user input before it is processed by the GetParameter() and showMeterReport() functions. This may involve limiting the length of the “meter” parameter. (This is likely a complex workaround and should only be considered if patching is impossible in the short term.)
  • Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): Deploy IDS/IPS solutions to monitor network traffic for malicious activity and potentially block exploitation attempts.

References



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