CVE-2011-4525 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
Advantech/BroadWin WebAccess before 7.0 allows remote attackers to trigger the extraction of arbitrary web content into a batch file on a client system, and execute this batch file, via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4525 affects Advantech/BroadWin WebAccess versions prior to 7.0, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the web-based interface of the WebAccess SCADA system, which is widely deployed in industrial control environments for monitoring and managing industrial processes. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper handling of web content within the application's web interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the system's behavior through crafted web requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the web access functionality to deliver and execute malicious batch files on client systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific web requests that cause the system to download arbitrary web content and store it as a batch file on the target machine. This batch file execution capability represents a significant escalation from simple content retrieval, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of web application security and operating system privilege execution, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where system integrity is paramount.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4525 extends beyond traditional network security concerns to threaten the fundamental integrity of industrial control systems. In environments where Advantech/BroadWin WebAccess is deployed for critical infrastructure management, this vulnerability could enable attackers to disrupt operations, manipulate process controls, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive industrial data. The ability to execute batch files remotely means that attackers can potentially install malware, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access points within the industrial network. This vulnerability particularly affects environments with limited network segmentation, where the compromise of a single web access point could provide lateral movement capabilities throughout the industrial control network.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a variant of command injection and arbitrary file execution flaws that align with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, which specifically address the execution of arbitrary code through improper input handling. The attack pattern also correlates with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 sub-technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries leverage web interfaces to execute system commands. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to WebAccess version 7.0 or later, implementing network segmentation to isolate web access points, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure that the industrial control environment maintains appropriate security postures against evolving threats.