CVE-2014-0764 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
By providing an overly long string to the NodeName parameter, an attacker may be able to overflow the static stack buffer. The attacker may then execute code on the target device remotely.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0764 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Advantech WebAccess software versions prior to 7.2. This vulnerability resides in the handling of NodeName parameters, which are commonly used in industrial automation and SCADA systems to identify network nodes and devices. The flaw originates from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly check the length of incoming NodeName data before processing it within the application's memory stack. This oversight creates a condition where an attacker can craft malicious input exceeding the allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the characteristics of CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where data is written beyond the bounds of a fixed-size buffer located on the stack. The attack vector is remote, meaning that adversaries can exploit this flaw without requiring physical access to the target system. The vulnerability specifically affects the Advantech WebAccess platform, which is widely deployed in industrial control systems and manufacturing environments where continuous operation is critical. When a remote attacker sends a specially crafted NodeName parameter containing excessive data, the application's memory management fails to prevent the overflow, potentially allowing the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can compromise the integrity and availability of industrial control systems that rely on Advantech WebAccess for network management and device communication. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components, potentially leading to system disruption, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as the executed code could leverage PowerShell or similar scripting capabilities to establish persistence or escalate privileges within the compromised environment. Industrial environments using this software are particularly vulnerable due to their often limited security monitoring and the critical nature of their operations where system downtime can result in significant financial and safety consequences.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0764 should prioritize immediate software updates to Advantech WebAccess version 7.2 or later, which contain patches addressing the buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks, while intrusion detection systems can be configured to monitor for suspicious NodeName parameter lengths. Security hardening practices including input validation, address space layout randomization, and stack canaries should be deployed to reduce exploitability. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected software within their industrial control networks and establish incident response procedures for potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process must consider the operational continuity requirements of industrial environments, ensuring that updates are carefully planned and tested in accordance with industrial security standards and protocols.