CVE-2013-0656 in SIMATIC RF-MANAGER 2008
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in a third-party ActiveX component in Siemens SIMATIC RF-MANAGER 2008, and RF-MANAGER Basic 3.0 and earlier, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0656 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within third-party ActiveX components utilized by Siemens SIMATIC RF-MANAGER software versions 2008 and Basic 3.0 and earlier. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the ActiveX control, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory management weaknesses in the targeted systems. The vulnerability specifically affects industrial automation and control systems that rely on Siemens' RF-MANAGER solutions for wireless communication management in industrial environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through improper bounds checking within the ActiveX component's memory handling routines. When a malicious website loads the vulnerable ActiveX control, the attacker can craft specific input data that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing a stack-based buffer overflow condition. This memory corruption allows arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application, typically resulting in full system compromise when executed in a browser context. The flaw manifests as a classic buffer overflow attack vector that leverages the trust model inherent in ActiveX controls, where browser environments automatically execute downloaded components without sufficient sandboxing mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0656 extends beyond traditional enterprise network security concerns into industrial control system environments where Siemens SIMATIC RF-MANAGER is deployed. These systems typically operate in critical infrastructure sectors including manufacturing, energy, and process control where unauthorized access can lead to production disruption, safety hazards, or financial losses. The remote exploitability of this vulnerability means that attackers can compromise systems without physical access, potentially enabling them to manipulate industrial processes, access sensitive operational data, or establish persistent access points within industrial networks. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed industrial software creates a significant risk to operational technology environments that may lack the security maturity of traditional IT systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in browser environments, applying available vendor patches, and implementing network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general internet access. The mitigation strategies align with defensive measures recommended in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for credential access and execution tactics, particularly focusing on preventing code injection and privilege escalation attacks. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and browser security policies that restrict ActiveX execution to trusted internal sites only, following industry best practices established in standards such as NIST SP 800-82 for industrial control systems security. The vulnerability highlights the importance of securing industrial software components and demonstrates how legacy industrial systems remain vulnerable to modern exploitation techniques due to insufficient security controls in third-party integration components.