CVE-2012-4700 in IntegraXor
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in an ActiveX control in PE3DO32A.ocx in IntegraXor SCADA Server 4.00 build 4250.0 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTML document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4700 represents a critical security flaw within the IntegraXor SCADA Server 4.00 build 4250.0 and earlier versions. This vulnerability specifically affects an ActiveX control component named PE3DO32A.ocx which is integral to the SCADA server functionality. The flaw manifests as multiple buffer overflows that occur when processing specially crafted HTML documents, creating a significant attack surface for remote exploitation. The ActiveX control's implementation lacks proper input validation and memory boundary checking mechanisms, making it susceptible to malicious input manipulation that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied data within the PE3DO32A.ocx ActiveX control. When a malicious HTML document is loaded and processed by the vulnerable control, the buffer overflow conditions are triggered through insufficient bounds checking during data processing. The control's memory management routines fail to validate input lengths against allocated buffer sizes, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious payloads. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where the overflow occurs in stack memory allocated for function parameters and local variables. The vulnerability's remote exploitability is facilitated by the ActiveX control's ability to execute within web browser contexts, particularly when users visit compromised websites or open malicious documents.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4700 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and operational disruption within industrial control environments. SCADA systems are critical infrastructure components that manage industrial processes, and exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to critical control systems. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially gain full control over the affected SCADA server, enabling them to manipulate industrial processes, access sensitive operational data, or disrupt critical infrastructure operations. The vulnerability's presence in SCADA environments particularly raises concerns about attack surface expansion, as these systems are often connected to corporate networks and may have limited security monitoring capabilities. The exploitability of this vulnerability through web-based attacks means that organizations with SCADA systems may be vulnerable to attacks originating from external sources without requiring physical access to the industrial network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4700 should prioritize immediate remediation through vendor-provided patches and updates to the IntegraXor SCADA Server software. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate SCADA environments from general corporate networks and limit access to only necessary personnel and systems. Browser security configurations should be adjusted to disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only, particularly for systems that do not require SCADA functionality. The vulnerability's exploitation relies on ActiveX control execution within web browsers, making browser-based security controls effective defensive measures. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious ActiveX control loading events and unusual network activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network access controls and firewall rules to restrict access to SCADA systems from untrusted networks provides additional layers of defense against potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized ActiveX controls and maintain comprehensive vulnerability management programs to identify and remediate similar issues in other industrial control system components.