CVE-2012-0240 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
GbScriptAddUp.asp in Advantech/BroadWin WebAccess before 7.0 does not properly perform authentication, which 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-2012-0240 affects Advantech/BroadWin WebAccess versions prior to 7.0, specifically within the GbScriptAddUp.asp component. This represents a critical authentication bypass flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms within the web-based industrial control system interface, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to system resources and potentially full system compromise. The affected software serves as a web access interface for industrial automation and monitoring systems, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise critical infrastructure environments.
The technical implementation flaw resides in the GbScriptAddUp.asp script which fails to properly validate user credentials or session tokens before processing requests. This authentication failure creates a condition where malicious actors can bypass the normal access control mechanisms and directly invoke code execution functions within the application. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack paths may exist, potentially including parameter manipulation, session hijacking, or direct exploitation of the vulnerable script. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-287 category of Improper Authentication, which specifically addresses weaknesses in authentication mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to resources. The vulnerability represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation and authentication checks can lead to remote code execution in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This could enable attackers to install malware, modify industrial control processes, steal sensitive operational data, or disrupt critical infrastructure operations. Industrial control systems are particularly vulnerable to such attacks because they often operate in environments with limited security monitoring and may have extended uptime requirements that make patching difficult. The implications are especially severe in environments where WebAccess is used for SCADA systems, process control, or building automation, as these systems are fundamental to operational technology infrastructure. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would map to the T1190 technique for Exploit Public-Facing Application, and potentially T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers could leverage the code execution capability to run malicious scripts or commands.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0240 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 7.0 or later of Advantech/BroadWin WebAccess. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general network access, thereby reducing the attack surface for remote exploitation. Additional protective measures include implementing strong authentication mechanisms, enabling secure communication protocols, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial web applications. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or code execution attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify attempts to exploit known vulnerabilities in industrial control system interfaces. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches in controlled environments before deployment to production systems to ensure operational continuity. Organizations with legacy systems that cannot be immediately patched should consider implementing additional network controls and access restrictions to limit the exposure of vulnerable components to external threats.