CVE-2014-0789 in Opc Factory Server Tlxcdstofs
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the OPC Automation 2.0 Server Object ActiveX control in Schneider Electric OPC Factory Server (OFS) TLXCDSUOFS33 3.5 and earlier, TLXCDSTOFS33 3.5 and earlier, TLXCDLUOFS33 3.5 and earlier, TLXCDLTOFS33 3.5 and earlier, and TLXCDLFOFS33 3.5 and earlier allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service via long arguments to unspecified functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0789 represents a critical buffer overflow condition affecting Schneider Electric's OPC Factory Server product line, specifically targeting the OPC Automation 2.0 Server Object ActiveX control. This vulnerability resides within multiple versions of the OPC Factory Server software including TLXCDSUOFS33 3.5 and earlier, TLXCDSTOFS33 3.5 and earlier, TLXCDLUOFS33 3.5 and earlier, TLXCDLTOFS33 3.5 and earlier, and TLXCDLFOFS33 3.5 and earlier. The affected ActiveX control operates within the industrial automation and control systems domain, making it particularly concerning for operational technology environments where system reliability and security are paramount.
The technical flaw manifests as multiple buffer overflow conditions that occur when the OPC Automation 2.0 Server Object ActiveX control processes long arguments passed to unspecified functions within the control. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-122, heap-based buffer overflow, depending on the exact memory allocation pattern. The buffer overflow occurs when the control fails to properly validate input length before copying data into fixed-size buffers, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can trigger the condition without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as buffer overflows in industrial control systems can potentially lead to system instability, data corruption, or even complete system compromise. In the context of OPC (OLE for Process Control) servers, which serve as critical communication bridges between industrial processes and enterprise systems, such vulnerabilities can disrupt production workflows and potentially affect safety-critical operations. The vulnerability's presence in multiple variants of the OPC Factory Server software indicates a systemic issue within the codebase that could affect various industrial automation scenarios, from manufacturing processes to power generation facilities. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could cause service interruptions that may result in production downtime, financial losses, and potential safety hazards in environments where continuous operation is essential.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0789 should focus on immediate remediation through official vendor patches and updates, while also implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure. Organizations should consider applying the latest security updates from Schneider Electric, which would address the underlying buffer overflow conditions in the OPC Automation 2.0 Server Object ActiveX control. Additionally, implementing network monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts, while restricting ActiveX control usage in web browsers and limiting administrative privileges can reduce the potential impact. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1203, "Exploitation for Client Execution," highlights the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures including application whitelisting and regular security assessments of industrial control systems. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their entire industrial control system infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components that may be susceptible to similar buffer overflow conditions.