CVE-2014-3789 in Cogent DataHub
Summary
by MITRE
GetPermissions.asp in Cogent Real-Time Systems Cogent DataHub before 7.3.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via unspecified vectors.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3789 affects Cogent DataHub software version 7.3.4 and earlier, specifically within the GetPermissions.asp component. This represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access control mechanisms within the web-based administrative interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially compromise the entire data acquisition and control environment that Cogent DataHub manages. The affected software serves industrial control systems and real-time data processing environments where security is paramount for operational technology infrastructure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of arbitrary code execution, which is classified as CWE-74 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. This weakness occurs when an application allows user-supplied input to be executed as code without proper sanitization or validation. The unspecified vectors suggest that the attack surface encompasses multiple potential entry points through the GetPermissions.asp script, likely involving parameter manipulation or injection techniques. The vulnerability exists due to inadequate sanitization of user inputs passed to server-side processes, allowing malicious payloads to be interpreted and executed by the web server. This flaw represents a significant gap in the application's security architecture and demonstrates poor secure coding practices that violate fundamental principles of input validation and access control.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3789 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass full system compromise and potential disruption of critical industrial processes. In industrial control environments where Cogent DataHub operates, attackers could potentially manipulate real-time data flows, alter system configurations, or execute malicious code that affects production operations. The vulnerability poses significant risk to operational technology environments as it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for systems that control critical infrastructure. Organizations using this software may face data breaches, system downtime, and potential safety hazards in environments where automated control systems are essential for operations. The attack vector enables lateral movement within network segments and could facilitate further exploitation of interconnected systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Cogent DataHub installations to version 7.3.5 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected systems and restrict administrative access to authorized personnel only. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web services, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough security assessments of industrial control environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and proper access control implementation in operational technology systems. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious activities related to web-based administrative interfaces, and incident response procedures should be updated to address potential exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. This case highlights the need for robust security practices in industrial environments where the consequences of system compromise can extend beyond traditional information security concerns into physical safety and operational integrity domains.