CVE-2012-0228 in Wonderware Information Server
Summary
by MITRE
Invensys Wonderware Information Server 4.0 SP1 and 4.5 does not properly implement client controls, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0228 affects Invensys Wonderware Information Server versions 4.0 SP1 and 4.5, representing a critical security flaw in industrial control systems infrastructure. This issue stems from improper implementation of client-side access controls within the information server software, creating a significant security gap that could be exploited by remote attackers to circumvent intended access restrictions. The vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient access control mechanisms as defined by CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control in software systems. The affected Wonderware Information Server products are widely used in industrial environments for data collection, storage, and distribution, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for operational technology security.
The technical flaw manifests in the server's inability to properly validate client-side controls, allowing malicious actors to manipulate access parameters and bypass authentication mechanisms. Attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive industrial data and potentially manipulate system configurations. This weakness creates a pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized data access that could compromise the integrity of industrial processes. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, enabling them to target the information server from external networks. The lack of proper client-side validation creates an attack surface that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1212 which addresses exploitation for credential access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to disrupt industrial processes and compromise critical infrastructure operations. In industrial control environments, the ability to bypass access controls can lead to data manipulation, process disruption, and potential safety hazards. The vulnerability affects systems that manage critical industrial data flows, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise industrial operations. Organizations relying on Wonderware Information Server for operational technology infrastructure may face significant risks including process integrity violations, data breaches, and potential safety incidents. The attack vector's remote nature means that organizations must consider their entire network perimeter as potentially exposed to this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch application from Invensys to address the client control implementation flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate the affected information servers from critical industrial control systems and establish strict access controls for administrative interfaces. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify additional vulnerabilities in industrial control system environments, with particular attention to client-side access control implementations. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns and potential exploitation attempts targeting the vulnerable information server. The remediation process should include comprehensive security reviews of all industrial control system components to ensure proper implementation of access control mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing multi-factor authentication and privileged access management solutions to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in industrial software development and the need for continuous security validation of operational technology systems.