CVE-2011-4051 in Web Studio
Summary
by MITRE
CEServer.exe in the CEServer component in the Remote Agent module in InduSoft Web Studio 6.1 and 7.0 does not require authentication, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors related to creation of a file, loading a DLL, and process control.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4051 affects the CEServer.exe component within the Remote Agent module of InduSoft Web Studio versions 6.1 and 7.0. This represents a critical security flaw that fundamentally undermines the authentication mechanisms protecting industrial automation software. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper authentication requirements in the CEServer.exe process, creating an exploitable entry point that allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the system. The flaw specifically impacts the Remote Agent module, which is designed to facilitate remote communication and control of industrial processes, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in operational technology environments where system integrity and security are paramount.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through three primary attack vectors involving file creation, DLL loading, and process control. This multi-vector approach significantly increases the exploitability and potential impact of the vulnerability. The lack of authentication means that any remote attacker can potentially interact with the CEServer.exe process without requiring valid credentials or authorization. This authentication bypass allows malicious actors to create files in strategic locations, load malicious dynamic link libraries that can execute code with the privileges of the CEServer process, and manipulate running processes within the system. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor that allows attackers to assume control over the industrial automation software and potentially the underlying systems it manages.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4051 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential disruption of industrial control systems and compromise of operational technology infrastructure. In industrial environments where InduSoft Web Studio is deployed for process control and monitoring, this vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate critical processes, alter system configurations, or even cause physical damage to equipment through unauthorized process control. The vulnerability affects the Remote Agent module which is specifically designed for remote access and control, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain persistent access to industrial networks. This could result in significant operational disruptions, data integrity issues, and potential safety hazards in environments where automation systems control critical infrastructure.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and represents a classic example of how authentication failures can lead to complete system compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and persistence techniques, as attackers can leverage the lack of authentication to establish long-term access to industrial control systems. Organizations using affected versions of InduSoft Web Studio should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate the vulnerable components, firewall rules to restrict access to the CEServer.exe process, and application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized DLL loading. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in industrial software development and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of operational technology systems before deployment in critical infrastructure environments.