CVE-2014-0989 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Advantech WebAccess (formerly BroadWin WebAccess) 7.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the AccessCode2 parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0989 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Advantech WebAccess version 7.2, formerly known as BroadWin WebAccess. This industrial web server software is widely deployed in automation and control systems for remote monitoring and management of industrial processes. The vulnerability specifically affects the handling of the AccessCode2 parameter within the application's web interface, creating a pathway for remote code execution that could compromise the entire system. The flaw exists in the software's input validation mechanisms, where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter validation within the web access component of Advantech WebAccess. When the system processes the AccessCode2 parameter through its web interface, it fails to adequately verify the length of user-supplied input before copying it into a fixed-size buffer allocated on the stack. This classic buffer overflow condition enables attackers to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data structures. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates over network protocols, allowing remote exploitation without requiring physical access to the system. Attackers can craft malicious HTTP requests containing oversized AccessCode2 parameters that trigger the buffer overflow, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to industrial control systems that rely on Advantech WebAccess for monitoring and management. The remote code execution capability means that adversaries can gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure, potentially leading to service disruption, data manipulation, or even physical system damage. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as the vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware within the industrial network environment. Organizations using this software in manufacturing, energy, or other critical sectors face potential operational disruptions that could affect production processes and safety systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous in environments where industrial networks are not properly segmented from corporate networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0989 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Advantech WebAccess software to version 7.3 or later, which includes the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general corporate networks, reducing the attack surface available to remote attackers. Input validation controls should be strengthened at the application level to prevent oversized parameters from being processed, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other industrial control system components. Network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while access controls should be tightened to limit who can interact with the web interface. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and represents a significant concern for organizations operating under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's initial access and execution tactics, particularly affecting industrial control systems and operational technology environments.