CVE-2012-3005 in Wonderware Inbatch
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Invensys Wonderware InTouch 2012 and earlier, as used in Wonderware Application Server, Wonderware Information Server, Foxboro Control Software, InFusion CE/FE/SCADA, InBatch, and Wonderware Historian, allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3005 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting multiple industrial software platforms developed by Invensys Wonderware. This flaw exists within Wonderware InTouch 2012 and earlier versions, which are extensively deployed across critical infrastructure environments including process control systems, SCADA networks, and industrial automation platforms. The vulnerability specifically impacts Wonderware Application Server, Wonderware Information Server, Foxboro Control Software, InFusion CE/FE/SCADA systems, InBatch applications, and Wonderware Historian products, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these industrial control systems. The flaw resides in how these applications handle dynamic link library loading processes, creating opportunities for privilege escalation through malicious code injection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a Trojan horse DLL file placed in an unspecified directory that the vulnerable applications search during runtime. This untrusted search path behavior allows local attackers to manipulate the application's dynamic linking process by placing malicious DLLs in directories that are searched before the legitimate system directories. When the vulnerable application attempts to load a required library, it inadvertently loads the malicious DLL instead of the intended legitimate library, enabling the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running application. This represents a classic privilege escalation vector that aligns with CWE-426, which describes the insecure use of search paths, and specifically relates to CWE-78, which addresses the insecure use of a command shell.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it can compromise entire industrial control systems that rely on Wonderware products for critical operations. In industrial environments, these applications often run with elevated privileges to access critical system resources and control processes, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous. Attackers could potentially manipulate industrial processes, access sensitive operational data, or disrupt critical manufacturing operations. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Wonderware products means that organizations with diverse industrial control system deployments face widespread exposure, requiring coordinated remediation efforts across different software platforms. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can enable attackers to move laterally within industrial networks, potentially affecting operational technology infrastructure that may not be adequately protected by traditional cybersecurity measures.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying vendor patches released for this vulnerability, implementing strict directory permissions to prevent unauthorized DLL placement, and conducting comprehensive system audits to identify potentially compromised installations. The remediation approach should follow ATT&CK technique T1068, which addresses local privilege escalation through untrusted search paths, requiring systematic review of application search paths and privilege management. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for unauthorized DLL loading activities, and ensuring proper system hardening practices. Given the industrial context, organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit lateral movement capabilities and establish monitoring protocols specifically designed for detecting anomalous DLL loading behavior in industrial control systems. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and the need for regular security assessments of industrial control system software, particularly in environments where operational technology and information technology converge.