CVE-2011-4883 in webMI2ADS
Summary
by MITRE
The web server in Certec atvise webMI2ADS (aka webMI) before 2.0.2 does not properly validate values in HTTP requests, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (resource consumption) via a crafted request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4883 affects the Certec atvise webMI2ADS web server component, specifically within the webMI platform version prior to 2.0.2. This issue represents a classic input validation weakness that exposes the system to remote denial of service attacks through crafted HTTP requests. The webMI platform serves as a web-based interface for industrial automation systems, making it a critical component in industrial control environments where availability and reliability are paramount. The vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of HTTP request parameters, which creates an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit resource consumption patterns within the web server implementation.
The technical flaw manifests in the web server's failure to properly validate input values received through HTTP requests, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can bypass normal validation checks. This improper input validation allows remote attackers to craft specific HTTP requests that consume excessive system resources, leading to denial of service conditions. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-20 category of "Improper Input Validation" which is a fundamental security weakness that frequently leads to various attack vectors including resource exhaustion, buffer overflows, and injection attacks. The specific mechanism involves the web server processing of malformed or unexpected request parameters without adequate bounds checking or sanitization procedures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise industrial automation systems that rely on webMI for remote access and monitoring. When exploited, the crafted HTTP requests cause the web server to consume excessive CPU cycles, memory, or other system resources until the service becomes unresponsive or crashes entirely. This type of denial of service attack can have severe consequences in industrial environments where continuous operation is critical for safety and production processes. The vulnerability affects the availability aspect of the CIA triad and can be particularly dangerous when combined with other attack vectors that might exploit the same underlying input validation weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4883 should focus on implementing proper input validation controls and updating to the patched version 2.0.2 or later of the webMI platform. System administrators should deploy network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HTTP request patterns and implement rate limiting to prevent resource exhaustion attacks. The remediation process involves upgrading the webMI software to the patched version that addresses the input validation flaws, while also applying defensive measures such as web application firewalls and access controls. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for web server access and regularly review and test their input validation mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of their industrial control systems. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in web applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks through resource exhaustion.