CVE-2012-1832 in KingView
Summary
by MITRE
WellinTech KingView 6.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via a crafted packet to (1) TCP or (2) UDP port 2001.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2021
The CVE-2012-1832 vulnerability affects WellinTech KingView 6.53, a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) software platform widely used in industrial control systems for monitoring and controlling industrial processes. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that exposes industrial networks to potential remote exploitation by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically targets the communication protocols used by KingView to handle incoming data packets, making it particularly dangerous for operational technology environments where system availability and integrity are paramount. The affected software operates within critical infrastructure sectors including energy, water treatment, manufacturing, and other industrial facilities where uninterrupted operation is essential for public safety and economic stability.
The technical flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition in the packet processing functionality of KingView 6.53 when handling network traffic on TCP or UDP port 2001. This type of vulnerability occurs when the software fails to properly validate incoming data lengths or buffer boundaries before processing received packets. Attackers can craft malicious packets that exceed expected data limits, causing the application to read memory locations beyond allocated buffers. This out-of-bounds memory access can lead to unpredictable behavior including application crashes, memory corruption, or potentially arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read, which is a common class of memory safety issues that can result in system instability or complete compromise. The fact that this vulnerability affects both TCP and UDP protocols increases the attack surface, as different network conditions and applications may use either protocol for communication with the KingView system.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1832 is severe for industrial environments that rely on WellinTech KingView for their control systems. Remote code execution capability means that attackers could gain full control over the affected system, potentially allowing them to manipulate industrial processes, access sensitive operational data, or disrupt critical infrastructure operations. The denial of service aspect of this vulnerability could lead to complete system unavailability, which is particularly dangerous in industrial settings where system uptime is critical for safety and production continuity. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad of information security, compromising both confidentiality and availability of industrial control systems. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it accessible to attackers regardless of their physical proximity to the industrial facility. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, indicating the potential for lateral movement and persistent access within industrial networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1832 should focus on immediate network segmentation and access control measures. Organizations should implement network firewalls to block external access to TCP and UDP port 2001, particularly when the KingView system is not directly exposed to external networks. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to a patched version of WellinTech KingView software, as the vendor has likely addressed this vulnerability in subsequent releases. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also implement regular vulnerability assessments targeting industrial control systems and establish incident response procedures specifically for OT environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of securing industrial control systems against remote exploitation and underscores the need for robust security practices in critical infrastructure protection. Organizations should consider implementing network intrusion detection systems specifically designed for industrial protocols and maintain updated threat intelligence for operational technology environments. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for security hardening in industrial control systems and the potential consequences of unpatched vulnerabilities in safety-critical infrastructure.