CVE-2011-1914 in Modbus RTU OPC Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Advantech ADAM OLE for Process Control (OPC) Server ActiveX control in ADAM OPC Server before 3.01.012, Modbus RTU OPC Server before 3.01.010, and Modbus TCP OPC Server before 3.01.010 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1914 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Advantech's OPC Server software suite, specifically affecting the Advantech ADAM OLE for Process Control ActiveX control. This vulnerability exists in multiple variants including the ADAM OPC Server, Modbus RTU OPC Server, and Modbus TCP OPC Server across specific version ranges. The buffer overflow condition occurs within the ActiveX control implementation that facilitates industrial process control communications, creating a significant security risk for operational technology environments. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in industrial control systems where security is paramount. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of industrial automation systems that rely on OPC (OLE for Process Control) protocols for communication between devices and control systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the ActiveX control's handling of input data. When the OPC Server processes incoming data through the vulnerable ActiveX interface, insufficient validation occurs to prevent buffer overflows that could occur when handling specially crafted input parameters. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the attack surface encompasses multiple input pathways within the OPC communication protocols, potentially including various Modbus TCP and RTU communication methods. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability's remote execution capability indicates that attackers can exploit this flaw from outside the local network, making it particularly dangerous for industrial environments that may not properly segment their networks. The attack requires no authentication and can be executed through the standard OPC communication protocols, making it accessible to both skilled and unskilled attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise entire industrial control systems. In industrial environments, OPC servers serve as critical communication bridges between field devices and supervisory control systems, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to disrupt operations or gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely means that attackers could potentially modify process control parameters, manipulate industrial processes, or establish persistent backdoors within the system. This vulnerability directly affects the CIA triad of information security, potentially compromising confidentiality through data exfiltration, integrity through process manipulation, and availability through system disruption. The affected systems typically include manufacturing environments, power generation facilities, water treatment plants, and other industrial processes that rely on continuous operation and reliable control systems. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where industrial control systems operate without proper network segmentation or intrusion detection systems, creating a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and move laterally within the industrial network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1914 should include immediate patching of all affected Advantech OPC Server installations to versions 3.01.012 or later for ADAM OPC Server, and 3.01.010 or later for Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP OPC Servers. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate OPC servers from general network traffic, and firewall rules should restrict access to OPC communication ports to only authorized systems. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running OPC services with minimal required permissions and implementing network access controls to prevent unauthorized remote access. Additionally, organizations should implement intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor OPC traffic patterns and detect anomalous behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential vulnerabilities within industrial control systems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, and T1210 for exploitation of remote services, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls that address both network-level and application-level threats in industrial environments. Organizations should also consider implementing industrial network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on unusual OPC communication patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.