CVE-2014-0784 in CENTUM CS 3000
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in BKBCopyD.exe in Yokogawa CENTUM CS 3000 R3.09.50 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted TCP packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0784 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in BKBCopyD.exe component of Yokogawa CENTUM CS 3000 R3.09.50 and earlier versions. This industrial control system software operates within critical infrastructure environments including oil and gas refineries, chemical plants, and power generation facilities where operational technology security is paramount. The vulnerability exists within the BKBCopyD.exe process which serves as a background service responsible for copying data between different system components. This particular buffer overflow occurs when the application fails to properly validate the length of incoming TCP packets before processing them, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it accessible to adversaries who may only need network connectivity to the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack-based buffer overflow pattern where maliciously crafted TCP packets containing oversized data payloads are sent to the vulnerable BKBCopyD.exe service. When the service processes these malformed packets, the insufficient bounds checking allows the input data to overflow the allocated stack buffer and overwrite return addresses, saved registers, and other critical stack data. This memory corruption enables attackers to redirect program execution flow to malicious code injected within the payload, effectively allowing remote code execution with the privileges of the compromised service. The vulnerability's remote accessibility means that attackers can exploit it from outside the network perimeter, potentially compromising entire industrial control systems. The flaw aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0784 extends far beyond typical network security concerns due to the critical infrastructure context in which Yokogawa CENTUM CS 3000 systems operate. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain complete control over industrial processes, potentially causing physical damage to equipment, disrupting production operations, or even creating safety hazards in hazardous environments. The attack surface is particularly concerning because these systems often operate continuously without regular patching cycles, and many organizations may not have robust network segmentation or monitoring in place to detect such attacks. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can potentially compromise systems from anywhere with network access, making it a significant threat to industrial cybersecurity posture. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1210 Exploitation of Remote Services and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the remote code execution capability to establish persistent access and conduct further reconnaissance within the industrial network environment.
Organizations operating Yokogawa CENTUM CS 3000 systems should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate these critical systems from general network access, deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for unusual TCP traffic patterns, and apply the vendor-provided patches as soon as they become available. The recommended mitigations include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strict access controls, and establishing comprehensive monitoring for anomalous behavior in industrial control system communications. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their entire industrial control system infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the operational technology environment. Regular security awareness training for industrial control system operators and administrators is essential to ensure proper incident response procedures are followed when security events occur. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing industrial network security solutions specifically designed for protecting critical infrastructure environments, as traditional network security tools may not adequately address the unique requirements of industrial control systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in industrial environments where the consequences of exploitation can extend far beyond traditional information technology concerns.