CVE-2011-2962 in Wonderware Information Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in Invensys Wonderware Information Server 3.1, 4.0, and 4.0 SP1 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via two unspecified ActiveX controls.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2962 represents a critical security flaw affecting Invensys Wonderware Information Server versions 3.1, 4.0, and 4.0 SP1. This vulnerability manifests through multiple stack-based buffer overflows within two unspecified ActiveX controls that are integral components of the software infrastructure. The affected systems operate within industrial control environments where Wonderware Information Server serves as a crucial platform for data management and process information handling. These ActiveX controls are typically deployed in web-based interfaces and client applications that interact with industrial processes, making them prime targets for exploitation by malicious actors seeking to disrupt critical operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the ActiveX controls that process data from external sources. When these controls receive malformed or excessively sized input parameters, they fail to properly bounds-check buffer allocations, resulting in stack corruption that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The stack-based buffer overflow occurs because the software does not adequately verify the size of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers allocated on the stack. This fundamental flaw allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data, potentially enabling remote code execution or system crashes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential system compromise and operational disruption in industrial environments. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could cause unexpected system crashes that would interrupt critical industrial processes, leading to production downtime and potential safety hazards. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers need only access to the network where the vulnerable systems operate to potentially gain control over the affected servers. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where industrial control systems are connected to corporate networks, creating potential attack vectors that could bridge operational technology and information technology domains. The implications are severe as industrial control systems often manage critical infrastructure components such as power generation, water treatment, and manufacturing processes where system reliability is paramount.
Security practitioners should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through official vendor patches and updates. Organizations operating vulnerable Wonderware Information Server installations must conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected systems and implement network segmentation to limit exposure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and represents a significant concern under the ATT&CK framework for privilege escalation and denial of service techniques. Mitigation strategies should include implementing network access controls, disabling unnecessary ActiveX controls, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting industrial control systems, as these environments often contain legacy systems that may not receive timely security updates. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices in industrial software development and highlights the need for robust security testing throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent such critical flaws from reaching production environments.