CVE-2011-3141 in Wonderware InBatch
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the InBatch BatchField ActiveX control for Invensys Wonderware InBatch 8.1 SP1, 9.0, and 9.0 SP1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3141 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the InBatch BatchField ActiveX control component of Invensys Wonderware InBatch software versions 8.1 SP1, 9.0, and 9.0 SP1. This vulnerability exists within the ActiveX control architecture which is commonly used for integrating industrial automation applications with web browsers and other software environments. The flaw manifests when the control processes user-supplied data without proper bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to compromise system integrity.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the BatchField ActiveX control. When malicious data is passed to the control through unspecified vectors, the application fails to properly validate the size or content of incoming parameters, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can lead to unpredictable behavior including application crashes, system instability, and potentially full system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked industrial environments.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable arbitrary code execution on affected systems. Industrial control systems running vulnerable versions of Wonderware InBatch represent critical infrastructure components where such compromises could lead to production disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to equipment. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed industrial automation software increases the attack surface significantly, particularly in environments where legacy systems remain operational without proper security updates.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as aligning with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack patterns associated with this flaw align with ATT&CK technique T1059, specifically the use of remote code execution capabilities through compromised ActiveX controls. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, applying vendor patches, and implementing network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments and security monitoring should be conducted to identify similar issues in industrial control system environments, as these components often contain legacy code that may harbor similar security weaknesses.