CVE-2013-6128 in KingView
Summary
by MITRE
The KCHARTXYLib.KChartXY ActiveX control in KChartXY.ocx before 65.30.30000.10002 in WellinTech KingView before 6.53 does not properly restrict SaveToFile method calls, which allows remote attackers to create or overwrite arbitrary files, and subsequently execute arbitrary programs, via the single pathname argument, as demonstrated by a directory traversal attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-6128 represents a critical security flaw within the KCHARTXYLib.KChartXY ActiveX control component of WellinTech KingView software. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 6.53 and specifically affects the SaveToFile method implementation within the KChartXY.ocx library. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and path restriction mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied file paths, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper handling of file path arguments within the ActiveX control's SaveToFile method. When an attacker provides a malicious pathname argument, the control fails to validate whether the specified path falls within acceptable directories or whether it contains directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that could allow access to arbitrary file locations. This lack of proper path validation creates a path traversal condition that enables attackers to write files to locations outside of intended directories and potentially overwrite existing system files or create malicious executables in critical system locations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to industrial control systems and SCADA environments where WellinTech KingView is deployed. The ability to create or overwrite arbitrary files combined with the potential to execute arbitrary programs means that attackers can gain persistent access to affected systems, escalate privileges, and potentially compromise entire industrial networks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because ActiveX controls are commonly used in enterprise environments and can be automatically executed when users visit malicious websites or open compromised documents, making exploitation relatively straightforward and widespread.
The attack vector for this vulnerability involves remote exploitation through web-based interfaces where the vulnerable ActiveX control is loaded and executed. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that invoke the SaveToFile method with carefully crafted directory traversal sequences, allowing them to write malicious payloads to system directories where they can be automatically executed. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-73 Path Traversal in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses improper input validation that allows attackers to access files outside of intended directories.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation for this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves updating to WellinTech KingView version 6.53 or later, which contains the patched implementation of the KChartXY.ocx control with proper path validation. Additionally, organizations should disable ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, implement strict file access controls, and deploy network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, indicating that exploitation typically occurs through web application attacks followed by command execution on compromised systems. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.