CVE-2014-8514 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-2014-8513 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-2014-8514 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ActiveX control component MDraw30.ocx found in Schneider Electric ProClima software versions prior to 6.1.7. This particular vulnerability resides within the ActiveX control architecture which is commonly used for embedding interactive content within web browsers and other applications. The flaw specifically affects the MDraw30.ocx ActiveX control that is part of the ProClima suite, a software platform designed for building automation and energy management systems. The buffer overflow vulnerability creates a potential attack surface that could be exploited by remote adversaries to gain unauthorized execution privileges on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs within the ActiveX control's handling of input data, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write data beyond the allocated buffer space. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within an ActiveX control context, which means it can be triggered through web-based attack vectors where users might unknowingly interact with malicious content. The flaw allows for arbitrary code execution, meaning that an attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain complete control over the affected system and potentially use it as a launching point for further attacks within the network environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8514 extends beyond simple code execution, as it creates a persistent threat vector that could be leveraged for comprehensive system compromise. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware within the network infrastructure. The fact that this vulnerability is present in building automation systems like ProClima makes it particularly dangerous because these systems often control critical infrastructure components including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and other environmental controls. The attack surface is further expanded due to the nature of ActiveX controls which are typically enabled by default in Internet Explorer browsers, making exploitation more likely in environments where users browse the internet or interact with web-based interfaces that might load malicious content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams responsible for Schneider Electric ProClima installations. The primary and most effective mitigation is to upgrade to Schneider Electric ProClima version 6.1.7 or later, which contains patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions within the MDraw30.ocx ActiveX control. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running ProClima software, particularly those with ActiveX controls enabled. Browser security measures including disabling ActiveX controls or implementing strict content security policies can help reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues within the broader network infrastructure. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would be categorized under T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers might leverage this vulnerability through web-based phishing campaigns that load malicious ActiveX content to exploit the buffer overflow condition.