CVE-2014-0992 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 password parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0992 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in Advantech WebAccess version 7.2, formerly known as BroadWin WebAccess. This industrial automation and SCADA software platform is widely deployed in manufacturing environments for remote monitoring and control of industrial processes. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication mechanism of the web interface, creating a pathway for remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access. The flaw manifests when the system processes the password parameter in authentication requests, where insufficient input validation allows maliciously crafted data to overflow the allocated stack buffer space. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a serious security weakness that can lead to complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it highly attractive to threat actors targeting industrial control systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental weakness in input handling within the WebAccess application's authentication subsystem. When a remote attacker submits a specially crafted password parameter containing more data than the allocated buffer can accommodate, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations on the stack. This overflow corrupts the return address of the calling function, allowing an attacker to redirect program execution to malicious code injected into the buffer. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed entirely through network-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous in operational technology environments where industrial systems are connected to corporate networks. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that attackers can reliably predict memory layout patterns and craft payloads that will successfully overwrite critical execution pointers, leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected service account.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0992 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a significant threat to industrial control system security and operational continuity. Organizations using Advantech WebAccess in manufacturing, energy, and other critical infrastructure sectors face potential compromise of their industrial processes, leading to production disruptions, safety hazards, and potential financial losses. The vulnerability's ability to enable unauthorized access to industrial control systems aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 technique for valid accounts and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter. The exploitation could allow attackers to manipulate industrial processes, exfiltrate sensitive operational data, or establish persistent access points within industrial networks. Given that many industrial environments lack the sophisticated security monitoring capabilities found in traditional enterprise networks, the impact of such an exploit can be particularly severe, potentially affecting safety systems and process controls that are essential for operational safety.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor patches and updates. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying the latest security updates provided by Advantech, which typically involve implementing proper input validation and buffer size checks in the authentication handling code. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the WebAccess interface to authorized personnel only, reducing the attack surface. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual authentication patterns, implementing intrusion detection systems specifically tuned to detect exploitation attempts, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in industrial software development, aligning with security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO/IEC 27001. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous traffic patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability represents a common attack pattern that can be effectively monitored and detected through proper network security controls.