CVE-2013-2817 in MC-WorX Suite
Summary
by MITRE
An ActiveX control in IcoLaunch.dll in Mitsubishi Electric Automation MC-WorX Suite 8.02 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs via a crafted HTML document in conjunction with a Login Client button click.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2817 represents a critical security flaw within Mitsubishi Electric Automation MC-WorX Suite version 8.02, specifically targeting the IcoLaunch.dll ActiveX control. This vulnerability exploits the trust relationship between web browsers and ActiveX components, creating a dangerous attack surface that enables remote code execution when combined with social engineering techniques. The flaw resides in how the ActiveX control handles user input and processes external references, particularly when invoked through web-based interfaces that are commonly used in industrial automation environments. The attack vector requires a user to interact with a malicious HTML document that contains a crafted reference to the vulnerable ActiveX control, followed by a deliberate click on a Login Client button that triggers the execution of malicious code. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the inherent trust model of web browsers and ActiveX controls, making it difficult to detect and prevent through conventional security measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe handling of external references within the IcoLaunch.dll ActiveX control. When a user visits a malicious webpage containing crafted HTML code that references the vulnerable ActiveX component, the control fails to properly sanitize or validate the input parameters before executing associated commands. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the control's behavior and execute arbitrary programs on the target system with the privileges of the logged-in user. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-74 as a "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.001 for "Phishing with Spoofed Content" and T1059.001 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell". The attack requires user interaction through a web browser, making it a prime example of a user-assisted remote attack that capitalizes on the trust users place in web-based automation interfaces commonly used in industrial control systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2817 extends beyond simple remote code execution, creating potential risks for industrial control systems that rely on Mitsubishi Automation products for operational technology infrastructure. Organizations utilizing MC-WorX Suite in manufacturing environments face significant exposure to attackers who could potentially compromise production processes, access sensitive operational data, or disrupt critical manufacturing operations. The vulnerability affects systems where the ActiveX control is installed and accessible through web browsers, which is common in industrial automation environments where web-based interfaces are used for system monitoring and control. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to industrial networks, potentially leading to more severe consequences including disruption of manufacturing processes, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the industrial network infrastructure. The risk is amplified in environments where industrial systems are connected to corporate networks or the internet, as the attack surface expands to include web-facing industrial automation interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2817 require a multi-layered approach that addresses both immediate vulnerabilities and long-term security posture improvements. Organizations should immediately disable or remove the vulnerable ActiveX control from systems where it is not essential for operations, particularly in environments where web-based access to industrial systems is not required. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of industrial automation systems to untrusted network zones. Browser security configurations should be hardened to restrict ActiveX control loading and execution, including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers or implementing strict security zones for industrial automation interfaces. Additionally, organizations should implement user education and awareness programs to help personnel recognize and avoid potentially malicious web content that could trigger this vulnerability. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be established to ensure that all industrial automation software components remain current with security fixes, with particular attention to legacy industrial control system software that may not receive regular updates from vendors. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining security awareness in industrial environments where legacy software components continue to operate alongside modern security practices.