CVE-2013-2826 in KingAlarm
Summary
by MITRE
WellinTech KingSCADA before 3.1.2, KingAlarm&Event before 3.1, and KingGraphic before 3.1.2 perform authentication on the KAEClientManager console rather than on the server, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions and discover credentials via a crafted packet to TCP port 8130.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2826 affects WellinTech KingSCADA software versions prior to 3.1.2, along with KingAlarm&Event versions before 3.1 and KingGraphic versions before 3.1.2. This represents a critical authentication flaw that fundamentally undermines the security architecture of these industrial control system components. The vulnerability stems from a design decision where authentication processes occur on the client-side console rather than being properly enforced on the server component, creating a fundamental weakness in the access control mechanism.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions through the manipulation of network packets sent to TCP port 8130. This port serves as the primary communication channel for the affected software components, making it a prime target for exploitation. The authentication bypass occurs because the KAEClientManager console component handles authentication logic instead of the central server, enabling attackers to craft specially formatted packets that can circumvent the security controls designed to protect system access. This architectural oversight creates a pathway for unauthorized users to gain access to systems that should be protected by proper authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables credential discovery through the crafted packet manipulation. Attackers can exploit this weakness to not only bypass authentication but also to extract sensitive information about system users and their credentials. This creates a significant risk for industrial environments where KingSCADA systems are deployed, as these platforms typically control critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the system by allowing unauthorized parties to potentially gain control over industrial processes, making it particularly dangerous in operational technology environments.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient authentication controls, where the security mechanism fails to properly verify user identity before granting access. Additionally, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and credential access, as attackers can leverage this flaw to obtain legitimate credentials for system access. Organizations deploying these affected software versions face significant risk of compromise, particularly in environments where industrial control systems are connected to corporate networks or the internet.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrading to the patched versions of KingSCADA, KingAlarm&Event, and KingGraphic software as provided by WellinTech. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate these systems from general network access and monitor TCP port 8130 for suspicious traffic patterns. Additional protective measures include implementing network access controls, deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for crafted packet attacks, and conducting thorough security assessments of industrial control system environments. Regular security updates and vulnerability management processes should be established to prevent similar issues in other industrial control system components.