CVE-2011-3142 in KingView
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in an ActiveX control in KVWebSvr.dll in WellinTech KingView 6.52 and 6.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long second argument to the ValidateUser method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3142 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the WellinTech KingView 6.52 and 6.53 software suite, specifically affecting the KVWebSvr.dll ActiveX control. This vulnerability resides in the ValidateUser method where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate the second argument parameter, leading to potential code execution. The flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms that fail to properly validate the length of input data before copying it to a fixed-size stack buffer, creating a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited remotely without authentication requirements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through a stack-based buffer overflow attack vector that leverages the ActiveX control's exposed interface within web browsers. When the ValidateUser method receives a second argument exceeding the predetermined buffer size, the excess data overflows into adjacent stack memory locations, potentially overwriting critical program execution data such as return addresses, function pointers, or other control flow information. This memory corruption enables attackers to redirect program execution to malicious code injected into the buffer space, effectively allowing remote code execution with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability specifically targets the web server component of KingView, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where ActiveX controls are enabled and trusted by users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within networked environments. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems, potentially disrupting critical infrastructure operations or accessing sensitive operational data. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access or local credentials, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in industrial settings where KingView is commonly deployed for supervisory control and data acquisition. The attack surface is further expanded by the widespread use of ActiveX controls in older Windows environments, particularly in industrial control systems that may not have been regularly updated or patched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3142 should include immediate patching of affected KingView versions to address the buffer overflow condition in KVWebSvr.dll, along with comprehensive network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable systems. Organizations should implement ActiveX control restrictions through group policy configurations or browser security settings to prevent automatic execution of untrusted ActiveX components. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual patterns in web server traffic that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on malformed requests to ValidateUser method endpoints. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of vulnerable ActiveX controls and ensure that all industrial control systems undergo regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow and corresponds to attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under initial access and execution phases, specifically targeting the use of vulnerable ActiveX controls for remote code execution.