CVE-2014-0768 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
An attacker may pass an overly long value from the AccessCode2 argument to the control to overflow the static stack buffer. The attacker may then remotely execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0768 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in Advantech WebAccess software versions prior to 7.2. This vulnerability exists within the handling of user-supplied input parameters, specifically the AccessCode2 argument, which creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly constrain the length of the AccessCode2 parameter, allowing malicious actors to overflow the allocated stack buffer and potentially overwrite adjacent memory regions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to be written beyond the allocated buffer space. The vulnerability operates by accepting a long AccessCode2 argument that exceeds the predetermined buffer size, causing the stack to overflow and potentially corrupting the instruction pointer or other critical memory locations. This type of buffer overflow creates a pathway for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the vulnerable application, effectively compromising the entire system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to industrial control systems and supervisory control and data acquisition environments where Advantech WebAccess is deployed. The remote exploit capability means that attackers can target these systems from external networks without requiring physical access or local credentials, making the attack surface particularly dangerous in operational technology environments. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely allows threat actors to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially disrupt critical infrastructure operations. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of industrial control systems, creating opportunities for both data breaches and operational disruptions.
The exploitation of this vulnerability can be mapped to several ATT&CK techniques including T1203, which involves exploitation for execution through the manipulation of memory structures, and T1059, which covers command and script injection. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Advantech WebAccess version 7.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous AccessCode2 parameter usage patterns. Additionally, implementing input validation controls and regular security assessments will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future deployments, aligning with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-34 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards for industrial cybersecurity protection.