CVE-2012-1818 in DeltaV Workstation
Summary
by MITRE
An unspecified ActiveX control in Emerson DeltaV and DeltaV Workstations 9.3.1, 10.3.1, 11.3, and 11.3.1 and DeltaV ProEssentials Scientific Graph 5.0.0.6 allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files via unknown vectors.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1818 represents a critical security flaw in Emerson DeltaV industrial automation software systems that affects multiple versions including 9.3.1, 10.3.1, 11.3, and 11.3.1 of DeltaV Workstations along with DeltaV ProEssentials Scientific Graph 5.0.0.6. This issue stems from an unspecified ActiveX control that operates within the Windows environment of these industrial control systems, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary file overwrite operations. The vulnerability resides in the ActiveX component architecture which is commonly used for extending web browser capabilities but has historically been a vector for various exploitation techniques due to its privileged execution context. The affected systems operate within industrial control environments where security is paramount, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for operational technology infrastructure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves an ActiveX control that lacks proper input validation and access control mechanisms, allowing remote attackers to manipulate file system operations through unspecified attack vectors. ActiveX controls typically execute with the privileges of the user running the browser or application, and when these controls contain insecure file handling routines, they can be exploited to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even executable components. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22 which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks, and CWE-73 which covers external control of filename or path. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple exploitation techniques may be possible, potentially including buffer overflows, format string vulnerabilities, or direct file manipulation through exposed interfaces within the ActiveX control.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1818 extends beyond typical information system vulnerabilities due to the industrial control environment in which these systems operate. Industrial control systems such as DeltaV are critical infrastructure components that manage complex manufacturing processes, chemical plant operations, and other industrial facilities where system compromise can lead to physical damage, environmental hazards, or safety incidents. The ability to overwrite arbitrary files in these systems could allow attackers to corrupt configuration data, modify operational parameters, or even replace legitimate executables with malicious code, potentially leading to unauthorized process control or complete system compromise. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of industrial control systems, which are governed by standards such as IEC 62443 and NIST SP 800-82 that emphasize the importance of protecting industrial control system components from unauthorized modifications. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the systems, potentially allowing for large-scale attacks against industrial facilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements within industrial control environments. Organizations should immediately apply vendor patches and updates when available, though in this case the vulnerability was from 2012 and may require legacy system support or alternative mitigation approaches. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of these systems to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual file modification patterns. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting ActiveX control execution to only necessary applications and users, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potentially vulnerable ActiveX components or similar legacy technologies. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059 which covers command and scripting interface usage, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both network-level and endpoint-level security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized ActiveX controls from executing, and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to industrial control system compromises.