CVE-2014-5435 in Experion PKS
Summary
by MITRE
An arbitrary memory write vulnerability exists in the dual_onsrv.exe module in Honeywell Experion PKS R40x before R400.6, R41x before R410.6, and R43x before R430.2, that could lead to possible remote code execution or denial of service. Honeywell strongly encourages and recommends all customers running unsupported versions of EKPS prior to R400 to upgrade to a supported version.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2023
The CVE-2014-5435 vulnerability represents a critical arbitrary memory write flaw within the dual_onsrv.exe module of Honeywell Experion PKS R40x systems, affecting multiple version branches including R40x before R400.6, R41x before R410.6, and R43x before R430.2. This vulnerability resides in industrial control systems that manage critical infrastructure operations, making it particularly concerning for operational technology environments. The flaw manifests as a memory corruption issue that allows attackers to write arbitrary data to memory locations, potentially enabling unauthorized code execution or system disruption.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds writes in software systems. The dual_onsrv.exe module serves as a critical service component within the Experion PKS architecture, handling communication and operational functions for industrial processes. When exploited, this arbitrary memory write capability can be leveraged to overwrite critical program memory, potentially allowing an attacker to inject malicious code or manipulate system behavior. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that adversaries can potentially target these systems without physical access, making it a significant threat to industrial control system security.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations utilizing unsupported Honeywell Experion PKS versions. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could gain full control over industrial processes, potentially leading to production disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to industrial equipment. Denial of service scenarios could also occur, where the system becomes unavailable for legitimate operations, affecting production schedules and operational continuity. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version branches indicates a widespread exposure across various industrial control deployments, increasing the attack surface significantly.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2014-5435 centers on upgrading to supported Honeywell Experion PKS versions, specifically recommending R400.6, R410.6, and R430.2 or later releases. This approach aligns with industry best practices for addressing known vulnerabilities in industrial control systems, as outlined in standards such as IEC 62443 and NIST SP 800-82. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate these critical systems from general network access, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious network activity and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts before they cause significant damage. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution through system services, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls across industrial environments.