CVE-2013-0674 in SIMATIC PCS7
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the RegReader ActiveX control in Siemens WinCC before 7.2, as used in SIMATIC PCS7 before 8.0 SP1 and other products, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0674 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the RegReader ActiveX control component of Siemens WinCC software and related SIMATIC PCS7 systems. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 7.2 and affects SIMATIC PCS7 versions before 8.0 SP1, making it a significant concern for industrial control system security. The flaw specifically manifests in the handling of parameter inputs within the ActiveX control, which is a component commonly used in industrial automation and process control environments. The buffer overflow occurs when the control receives a parameter that exceeds the allocated memory buffer size, creating a condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation within the RegReader ActiveX control. When a remote attacker sends a specially crafted long parameter to the vulnerable system, the control fails to properly validate the input length before processing it. This absence of bounds checking allows the attacker to overflow the allocated buffer space and potentially overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The attack vector is remote, meaning an attacker can exploit this vulnerability without physical access to the system, making it especially concerning for industrial environments where network connectivity is essential.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can compromise the integrity and availability of industrial control systems. In process control environments, such as those utilizing Siemens WinCC and SIMATIC PCS7, successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized modifications of control parameters, disruption of production processes, or complete system compromise. The affected systems typically operate in critical infrastructure environments where stability and security are paramount, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous. The potential for cascading failures increases when considering that these systems often control physical processes, and arbitrary code execution could lead to physical damage or safety hazards. The vulnerability also impacts the broader industrial control system ecosystem, as many organizations use these components across multiple sites and systems, potentially creating widespread compromise scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0674 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by Siemens. Organizations should prioritize updating their WinCC and SIMATIC PCS7 installations to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks, particularly focusing on restricting access to ActiveX controls and the specific ports used by the RegReader component. The implementation of intrusion detection systems and network monitoring can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, as this reduces the attack surface for remote exploitation. Security awareness training for system administrators and industrial control system operators is also recommended to ensure proper configuration and monitoring of these critical systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in industrial environments and demonstrates the necessity of following security best practices as outlined in frameworks such as NIST SP 800-82 for industrial control systems security.