CVE-2011-4524 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Advantech/BroadWin WebAccess before 7.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string value in unspecified parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4524 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Advantech/BroadWin WebAccess software versions prior to 7.0. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle excessively long string values in unspecified parameters, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system remotely. The buffer overflow occurs when the application processes user-supplied data without sufficient bounds checking, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits memory corruption. The flaw operates at the application layer, specifically within the web interface components of the WebAccess platform that handle parameter processing. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests containing excessively long string values that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing stack or heap corruption that can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to industrial control systems and SCADA environments where Advantech/BroadWin WebAccess is deployed. The remote execution capability means attackers can compromise systems without physical access, potentially leading to unauthorized control of industrial processes, data manipulation, or system disruption. The vulnerability affects critical infrastructure sectors including manufacturing, energy, and utilities where these platforms are commonly implemented, making the potential impact far-reaching and severe.
The attack vector for CVE-2011-4524 follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in software applications to gain remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it within the high-severity category of cyber threats that can result in complete system compromise. Organizations utilizing affected WebAccess versions face substantial risk exposure, particularly in environments where network segmentation is insufficient or where default configurations leave systems vulnerable to external attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected WebAccess installations to version 7.0 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate WebAccess systems from critical operational technology networks, while also deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious parameter values. Input validation controls should be strengthened at the application level to prevent malformed data from reaching vulnerable processing functions, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy industrial control systems. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and establishing secure coding practices for parameter handling can provide additional defense layers against similar buffer overflow exploits.