CVE-2012-0257 in ArchestrA Application Object Toolkit
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the WWCabFile ActiveX component in the Wonderware System Platform in Invensys Wonderware Application Server 2012 and earlier, Foxboro Control Software 3.1 and earlier, InFusion CE/FE/SCADA 2.5 and earlier, Wonderware Information Server 4.5 and earlier, ArchestrA Application Object Toolkit 3.2 and earlier, and InTouch 10.0 through 10.5 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string to the Open member, leading to a function-pointer overwrite.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0257 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting multiple industrial control system components within the Wonderware ecosystem. This flaw exists within the WWCabFile ActiveX component, which is part of the broader Wonderware System Platform suite developed by Invensys. The vulnerability affects several key products including the Invensys Wonderware Application Server 2012 and earlier versions, Foxboro Control Software 3.1 and earlier, InFusion CE/FE/SCADA 2.5 and earlier, Wonderware Information Server 4.5 and earlier, ArchestrA Application Object Toolkit 3.2 and earlier, and InTouch 10.0 through 10.5. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the Open member function of the ActiveX control, creating a condition where maliciously crafted input can overflow heap memory allocated for string operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic heap-based buffer overflow scenario where a carefully constructed input string exceeds the allocated buffer space within the WWCabFile ActiveX component. When the Open member function processes this oversized string, it overflows into adjacent heap memory, potentially overwriting critical function pointers or other control data structures. This type of memory corruption directly maps to CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and specifically aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. The overflow occurs during the processing of user-supplied input through the ActiveX interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through web-based attacks when the vulnerable component is loaded in Internet Explorer or other browsers supporting ActiveX controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0257 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to industrial control systems and critical infrastructure environments. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially gain full control over systems running vulnerable Wonderware components, leading to unauthorized access to industrial processes, data manipulation, and potential disruption of critical operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning in industrial environments where these systems often operate without traditional security measures and may be directly connected to operational technology networks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can potentially compromise systems from outside the network perimeter, making it a particularly dangerous threat for industrial organizations that may have limited network segmentation. The memory corruption resulting from this buffer overflow can lead to arbitrary code execution, which aligns with ATT&CK tactic TA0002 (execution) and can enable further lateral movement within affected networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0257 should prioritize immediate remediation through vendor-provided patches and updates. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate systems running vulnerable Wonderware components and disable ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, limiting access to systems containing vulnerable components to only authorized personnel. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX controls. Given the industrial nature of these systems, organizations should conduct thorough risk assessments to identify all instances of vulnerable software and prioritize remediation based on operational criticality and network exposure levels. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in industrial software development, aligning with security standards that emphasize defensive programming techniques to prevent such memory corruption vulnerabilities from being exploited in operational technology environments.