CVE-2014-2364 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in Advantech WebAccess before 7.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in the (1) ProjectName, (2) SetParameter, (3) NodeName, (4) CCDParameter, (5) SetColor, (6) AlarmImage, (7) GetParameter, (8) GetColor, (9) ServerResponse, (10) SetBaud, or (11) IPAddress parameter to an ActiveX control in (a) webvact.ocx, (b) dvs.ocx, or (c) webdact.ocx.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2364 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting Advantech WebAccess software versions prior to 7.2. This vulnerability resides within the ActiveX controls used by the industrial automation platform, specifically in webvact.ocx, dvs.ocx, and webdact.ocx components. The flaw manifests when these controls process user-supplied string data through various parameters including ProjectName, SetParameter, NodeName, CCDParameter, SetColor, AlarmImage, GetParameter, GetColor, ServerResponse, SetBaud, and IPAddress. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which falls under the broader category of CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer, making it a significant concern for industrial control systems security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through remote code execution attacks that leverage the predictable nature of stack-based buffer overflows. When an attacker sends a specially crafted long string to any of the vulnerable parameters through the affected ActiveX controls, the insufficient input validation allows the data to overflow the allocated stack buffer space. This overflow can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, and other critical control data structures. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely through web interfaces, making it accessible to attackers with minimal privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage vulnerabilities in client applications to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it compromises the integrity and availability of industrial control systems that rely on Advantech WebAccess for monitoring and control operations. The affected ActiveX controls are commonly deployed in SCADA systems, industrial automation environments, and other critical infrastructure applications where unauthorized code execution could lead to significant operational disruptions, data compromise, or even physical system damage. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the WebAccess platform, potentially allowing attackers to gain persistent access to industrial networks, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware. Organizations using these systems face heightened risk of supply chain attacks, as the vulnerability could be exploited to establish backdoors or exfiltrate sensitive operational data from critical infrastructure environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2364 should focus on immediate software updates to Advantech WebAccess 7.2 or later versions, which contain patched implementations of the vulnerable ActiveX controls. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to WebAccess interfaces, particularly when these systems are exposed to untrusted networks. Browser security configurations should be adjusted to disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted domains only. Additionally, organizations should implement application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized ActiveX components, and conduct comprehensive security assessments of their industrial control systems to identify other potentially vulnerable components. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to detect exploitation attempts targeting similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in industrial control system environments.