CVE-2014-0990 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 UserName parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0990 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within Advantech WebAccess version 7.2, formerly known as BroadWin WebAccess. This flaw exists in the handling of user authentication parameters, specifically the UserName field, which creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system control. The vulnerability affects industrial automation and building management systems that rely on Advantech's web-based interface for remote access and monitoring.
This buffer overflow occurs due to inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the application's authentication processing module. When a remote attacker submits a specially crafted UserName parameter exceeding the allocated buffer size, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations on the stack. This memory corruption can overwrite critical program execution data including return addresses, function pointers, and other control structures that govern program flow. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which is a well-documented and dangerous class of vulnerability that has been exploited in numerous high-profile attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a complete backdoor into industrial control systems. In industrial environments where Advantech WebAccess is deployed for building automation, manufacturing control, or environmental monitoring, successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to critical infrastructure operations. Attackers could potentially manipulate system configurations, disrupt operations, or gain persistent access to sensitive industrial networks. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for industrial environments where physical security measures may be less stringent than in traditional enterprise networks.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is significant given the widespread deployment of Advantech WebAccess in industrial settings. Organizations using this software for critical infrastructure management face substantial risk from this flaw, as it could enable attackers to compromise entire industrial control networks. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall within the T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter tactics, representing a direct path to system compromise and persistent access. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected software, network segmentation to limit exposure, and implementation of intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their industrial control systems to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other software components that may be running on their critical infrastructure networks.