Description

There is stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability recently discovered in MCC Universal Library for Linux (uldaq).  This may result in information disclosure or arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability affects MCC Universal Library for Linux (uldaq) v1.2.1 and prior versions.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "7.8",
  "pubDate": "2026-09-17T19:16:41.430Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-09-17T19:16:41.430Z",
  "executiveSummary": "A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists within the MCC Universal Library for Linux (uldaq), specifically affecting versions 1.2.1 and prior.\nThis memory corruption flaw stems from improper boundary checking when processing input data, which allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory addresses on the stack.\nThe successful exploitation of this vulnerability can result in the disclosure of sensitive information or the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the application using the library.\nThe risk implication is critical, as arbitrary code execution could lead to full system compromise or persistence if the library is invoked by privileged processes.\nExploitation generally requires an attacker to provide a maliciously crafted input to a function within the library that lacks adequate length validation.\nBecause the library is designed for data acquisition hardware control, the vulnerability represents a significant supply chain and operational security risk within industrial or laboratory computing environments.",
  "technicalDetails": "The root cause of this vulnerability is a classic stack-based buffer overflow occurring during the manipulation of memory buffers within the MCC Universal Library for Linux (uldaq) components. The library fails to perform rigorous bounds checking on input provided by the user or external data sources before copying such data into fixed-size stack buffers.\nIn the context of the uldaq architecture, when specific functions are called with inputs exceeding the allocated buffer capacity, the stack frame is corrupted. This corruption allows an attacker to overwrite critical data structures, including the return address, saved base pointer, and potentially local function variables.\nThe attack flow proceeds as follows: First, the attacker identifies a vulnerable interface within the library that processes user-supplied data, such as configuration strings, device identifiers, or data packets. Second, the attacker constructs a payload that exceeds the expected size of the internal stack buffer. This payload includes carefully crafted shellcode or a ROP (Return-Oriented Programming) chain designed to redirect execution flow when the function concludes.\nBy overwriting the return address stored on the stack, the attacker forces the instruction pointer (EIP/RIP) to point to the address of the malicious payload or a gadget sequence. This effectively bypasses standard control flow integrity mechanisms if they are not explicitly protected by modern compiler defenses like stack canaries, ASLR, or DEP/NX bits.\nThe post-exploitation impact includes the potential for Arbitrary Code Execution (ACE), allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary commands in the context of the process utilizing the library. If the host application is running with root or sudo privileges—common in hardware interface drivers—the attacker gains elevated system control. Furthermore, the vulnerability may be leveraged to read from the stack memory to bypass address space randomization or exfiltrate sensitive data, such as internal keys or memory-resident credentials.\nThis vulnerability affects MCC Universal Library for Linux (uldaq) version 1.2.1 and all preceding versions. Authentication requirements depend heavily on the specific application implementation; however, any process interfacing with the uldaq library becomes an attack vector. The library's exposure is typically localized to the host system but remains a high-value target for attackers with local, low-privileged access seeking to escalate privileges."
}