CVE-2012-3795 in Pro-Server EX
Summary
by MITRE
Pro-face WinGP PC Runtime 3.1.00 and earlier, and ProServr.exe in Pro-face Pro-Server EX 1.30.000 and earlier, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) via a crafted packet with a certain opcode and a large value in a size field.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3795 affects Pro-face WinGP PC Runtime versions 3.1.00 and earlier, as well as ProServr.exe component in Pro-face Pro-Server EX versions 1.30.000 and earlier. This issue represents a classic buffer overflow condition that manifests through malformed network communication packets. The flaw specifically targets the packet processing mechanism where the system fails to properly validate the size field within crafted packets containing specific opcodes. When such malicious packets are received, the application processes the oversized size field without adequate bounds checking, leading to memory corruption that ultimately results in daemon crash and complete service disruption. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector operates entirely over network protocols, making it particularly dangerous in industrial control systems where network connectivity is essential for operations. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and memory management practices that are critical in embedded systems and industrial automation environments. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as the daemon crash can lead to complete system unavailability, potentially affecting critical manufacturing processes or operational technology infrastructure. The flaw represents a significant security weakness in industrial communication protocols where robustness and reliability are paramount.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires attackers to craft specific network packets that contain a particular opcode followed by an abnormally large value in the size field. This crafted packet structure triggers the application's failure to validate input parameters before processing, leading to memory corruption that causes the daemon process to terminate unexpectedly. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for Network Denial of Service, specifically targeting the disruption of services through malformed packet delivery. The system's failure to implement proper input sanitization and size validation creates a condition where legitimate network traffic can be weaponized to cause operational disruption. The flaw is particularly concerning because it affects industrial automation systems where downtime can result in significant financial losses and operational hazards. The vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where developers failed to implement adequate bounds checking mechanisms that are standard in modern software development practices. The attack requires minimal sophistication but can have severe consequences in operational technology environments where system stability is critical for continuous operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-3795 extends beyond immediate service disruption to encompass potential business continuity issues in industrial environments. When the daemon crashes, the entire Pro-face system becomes unavailable, potentially halting production processes or compromising real-time control functions. This vulnerability affects systems where continuous operation is essential, making the denial of service condition particularly dangerous. Organizations utilizing these systems may experience unplanned downtime that can result in production delays, quality control issues, and financial losses. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where multiple systems depend on the Pro-face infrastructure for communication and control functions. Recovery from such an attack typically requires manual intervention to restart the daemon process, potentially causing extended periods of service unavailability. The vulnerability also represents a potential stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as initial disruption can create opportunities for further exploitation or data compromise. Security teams must consider the broader implications of such vulnerabilities in industrial control systems where traditional network security measures may be insufficient to prevent exploitation. The flaw highlights the critical need for robust input validation and defensive programming practices in operational technology environments where security and reliability must be prioritized over convenience or development speed. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring and alerting systems to detect unusual daemon behavior or network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.