CVE-2012-1831 in KingView
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in WellinTech KingView 6.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted packet to TCP port 555.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1831 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within WellinTech KingView 6.53 industrial automation software. This vulnerability exists in the software's network protocol handling mechanism, specifically when processing incoming data packets on TCP port 555. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices that fail to properly bounds-check data received from remote network connections. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious packets that exceed the allocated buffer size, causing a heap overflow condition that can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite heap memory. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically targeting the industrial control system communication protocols used by KingView software. When a malformed packet is received on the designated TCP port 555, the software's parsing routine fails to validate the packet size against available buffer capacity, creating an exploitable condition. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in industrial environments where operational technology systems often lack the security measures found in traditional enterprise networks.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1831 extends beyond simple remote code execution to potentially compromise entire industrial control systems. In industrial settings, KingView software is commonly used for human machine interface (HMI) applications that monitor and control critical infrastructure such as manufacturing processes, power generation, and water treatment facilities. The remote exploit capability means that attackers can potentially compromise these systems from outside the network perimeter, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for critical infrastructure operators. The vulnerability can be exploited through the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1203, which involves exploiting remote services to gain initial access, and T1059, which covers command and control through remote code execution. This could lead to unauthorized process control, data manipulation, or complete system compromise that could affect physical operations and safety systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1831 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected WellinTech KingView 6.53 software to address the heap overflow condition. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to TCP port 555, limiting exposure to unauthorized network access. Organizations should also deploy intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on malformed packets targeting this specific vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in industrial control systems, as highlighted in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework's principles for protecting operational technology environments. Regular vulnerability assessments and network monitoring should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other industrial control system software components. Additionally, implementing network access controls and limiting administrative privileges on industrial systems can reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.