CVE-2014-8513 in ProClima
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in an ActiveX control in MDraw30.ocx in Schneider Electric ProClima before 6.1.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-8514 and CVE-2014-9188. NOTE: this may be clarified later based on details provided by researchers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8513 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ActiveX control component of Schneider Electric ProClima software version 6.1.6 and earlier. This issue resides in the MDraw30.ocx file which is part of the broader ProClima suite designed for building automation and energy management systems. The vulnerability specifically affects the ActiveX control implementation that handles graphical drawing operations, making it particularly dangerous in environments where ActiveX controls are enabled and trusted by users or systems.
The technical nature of this buffer overflow stems from improper bounds checking within the MDraw30.ocx ActiveX control when processing user-supplied data or malformed input parameters. Buffer overflow vulnerabilities occur when a program writes more data to a fixed-length buffer than it can accommodate, causing adjacent memory locations to be overwritten. This particular flaw in the ActiveX control allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though it could also manifest as heap-based depending on the specific attack vector and memory management patterns within the affected component.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities as it represents a significant threat to industrial control systems and building automation networks. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain arbitrary code execution privileges on systems running vulnerable versions of ProClima software, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This is particularly concerning in industrial environments where ProClima systems manage critical infrastructure such as HVAC systems, lighting controls, and energy monitoring. The remote exploit capability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making the vulnerability especially dangerous for network-connected industrial control systems that may be exposed to external threats.
From an attack methodology perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it affects a component that would typically be accessible through web interfaces or network services. The attack surface is broadened by the ActiveX control's integration into web browsers and applications, allowing for exploitation through malicious websites or phishing campaigns. The vulnerability's relationship to other related CVEs including CVE-2014-8514 and CVE-2014-9188 demonstrates a pattern of similar issues within the same software component, suggesting a systemic problem with memory management in the MDraw30.ocx library. The fact that this vulnerability was noted as potentially being clarified by researchers indicates the complexity of the underlying attack vectors and the need for detailed analysis to fully understand the exploitation methods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8513 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 6.1.7 or later where the buffer overflow has been patched. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable systems and disable ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that ProClima applications run with minimal required permissions. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their industrial control systems to identify other potential ActiveX-based vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of updated software to ensure that patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing industrial automation workflows. Security teams should also implement regular security updates and vulnerability management processes specifically tailored for industrial control systems to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.