CVE-2014-0787 in KingSCADA
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in WellinTech KingSCADA before 3.1.2.13 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0787 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within WellinTech KingSCADA software versions prior to 3.1.2.13. This vulnerability resides in the network communication handling mechanisms of the industrial control system software, specifically affecting the protocol processing components that manage incoming data packets from remote clients. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate the length of incoming packets before copying data into fixed-size stack buffers, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the packet processing routines of the KingSCADA server application. When a maliciously crafted packet is received, the software does not sufficiently check the packet size against the allocated buffer space on the stack. This allows an attacker to send oversized data that overflows the predetermined buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent stack memory locations including return addresses and control information. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software security where data written to a stack buffer exceeds the buffer's capacity, leading to memory corruption.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to industrial environments that rely on KingSCADA for critical infrastructure management. The remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit this flaw from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for operational technology environments. The attack vector specifically targets the network communication layer, which is essential for SCADA systems to receive commands from remote operators and communicate with field devices. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service, potentially leading to unauthorized control of industrial processes, data manipulation, or complete system disruption.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate system compromise to include broader operational technology security implications. Industrial control systems often operate in environments where uptime and reliability are paramount, and this vulnerability could be exploited to cause significant operational disruptions. Organizations using KingSCADA systems face potential risks including unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, modification of control parameters that could affect physical processes, and establishment of persistent backdoors for future attacks. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in network services, as the flaw could be mitigated through simple bounds checking mechanisms that prevent oversized packets from being processed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0787 primarily focus on immediate software updates and network segmentation measures. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to WellinTech KingSCADA version 3.1.2.13 or later, which includes proper input validation and buffer size checks. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to SCADA systems, deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns, and establish network access controls to restrict communication to authorized endpoints only. Additional defensive measures include implementing network monitoring for oversized packets that might indicate exploitation attempts and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control system environments. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of applying security patches promptly in operational technology environments, as delays in remediation can leave critical infrastructure exposed to exploitation. This case also underscores the importance of adhering to security best practices such as input validation, as recommended in the ATT&CK framework's mitigation strategies for preventing code execution vulnerabilities.