CVE-2014-2355 in Proficy HMI
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) CimView and (2) CimEdit components in GE Proficy HMI/SCADA-CIMPLICITY 8.2 and earlier allow remote attackers to gain privileges via a crafted CIMPLICITY screen (aka .CIM) file.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2355 affects GE Proficy HMI/SCADA-CIMPLICITY versions 8.2 and earlier, specifically targeting the CimView and CimEdit components within this industrial automation software suite. This represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges on systems running affected versions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the CIMPLICITY screen file processing functionality, which handles .CIM files used for configuring human machine interfaces in industrial control systems. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates over network connections without requiring authentication, making it accessible to threat actors who may have gained initial access to industrial networks through other means. This vulnerability directly impacts the security posture of industrial environments where these systems are deployed, as it provides a pathway for attackers to elevate their privileges and potentially gain full control over critical infrastructure operations.
The technical flaw manifests in how the affected components process .CIM files, which are used to define graphical user interfaces and operational parameters for industrial control systems. When a maliciously crafted .CIM file is loaded into the vulnerable CimView or CimEdit components, the software fails to properly validate the file contents, leading to potential code execution or privilege escalation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and potentially CWE-78, which addresses OS command injection vulnerabilities. The implementation flaw occurs during the parsing and rendering process of these configuration files, where the software does not adequately sanitize user-supplied data before processing it within the application context. Attackers can exploit this by creating specially crafted .CIM files that contain malicious code or data structures designed to trigger the vulnerability when opened by the vulnerable components. The lack of proper input validation and the absence of privilege separation mechanisms in the file processing pipeline creates an environment where untrusted input can be directly executed with the privileges of the running application, potentially elevating from standard user privileges to administrative or system-level access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and availability of industrial control systems. In industrial environments where GE Proficy HMI/SCADA-CIMPLICITY is deployed, this vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate critical process controls, access sensitive operational data, or disrupt production processes. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the systems, making it particularly dangerous in environments where industrial networks may be connected to corporate networks or the internet. The vulnerability could potentially be leveraged as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks, allowing adversaries to establish persistent access or move laterally within industrial networks. Organizations using these systems face significant risk of operational disruption, safety hazards, and potential regulatory violations if such attacks are successful. The impact is particularly severe in critical infrastructure sectors such as power generation, water treatment, manufacturing, and other industrial environments where system reliability and security are paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2355 should focus on immediate remediation through official patches provided by GE, as well as implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected systems. Organizations should deploy network monitoring solutions to detect unusual file transfer activities or attempts to access vulnerable components. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the CimView and CimEdit components. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their industrial control systems and implement robust file validation procedures for all configuration files. Security controls should include network access controls, intrusion detection systems, and regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of software vulnerabilities for gaining elevated system access. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized .CIM files and establish secure configuration management practices for industrial control systems. Regular security awareness training for industrial control system operators should be conducted to recognize potential social engineering attempts that might precede exploitation of such vulnerabilities.