CVE-2012-0238 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in opcImg.asp in Advantech/BroadWin WebAccess before 7.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0238 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in the opcImg.asp component of Advantech/BroadWin WebAccess software versions prior to 7.0. This vulnerability exists within the web-based interface of the industrial automation and SCADA monitoring platform, which is widely deployed in manufacturing environments for process control and data visualization. The affected software serves as a bridge between industrial control systems and web-based monitoring interfaces, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise operational technology infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the opcImg.asp script, which processes image data for display within the web interface. When remote attackers submit malformed input data to the affected web application, the application fails to properly bounds-check the incoming data before copying it to a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition allows malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and control data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires remote access to the web interface and leverages the inherent weakness in memory management practices within the application's input handling routines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to completely compromise the affected WebAccess server. Successful exploitation could enable adversaries to gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems, potentially leading to disruption of critical manufacturing processes, data manipulation, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects organizations using industrial automation platforms where WebAccess serves as the primary interface for monitoring and controlling production equipment, making it particularly dangerous in environments where operational continuity and safety are paramount. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to cause significant business disruption, financial loss, or even safety hazards in industrial settings.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to WebAccess version 7.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the affected web interface to untrusted networks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues within industrial control system environments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may map to ATT&CK techniques such as T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities and T1059 for command and scripting interpreters. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts against industrial control system interfaces.