CVE-2014-9186 in Experion PKS
Summary
by MITRE
A file inclusion vulnerability exists in the confd.exe module in Honeywell Experion PKS R40x before R400.6, R41x before R410.6, and R43x before R430.2, which could lead to accepting an arbitrary file into the function, and potential information disclosure or remote code execution. 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-2014-9186 vulnerability represents a critical file inclusion flaw within Honeywell Experion PKS R40x, R41x, and R43x software versions, specifically affecting the confd.exe module. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize file paths and names before processing them within the system's configuration functions. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the file inclusion process by providing arbitrary file paths that bypass normal security checks, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to system resources.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple cybersecurity domains and aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities where applications include files based on user-supplied input without proper validation. The technical implementation flaw manifests when the confd.exe module processes configuration parameters that should be restricted to predefined system paths, but instead accepts any file path that meets basic syntactic requirements. This behavior creates a dangerous condition where an attacker can specify any file location within the system's file hierarchy, potentially accessing sensitive configuration files, system binaries, or other restricted resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities. Attackers who exploit this flaw can gain unauthorized access to critical system components, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects industrial control systems where Honeywell Experion PKS software is deployed, creating risks for critical infrastructure environments including manufacturing facilities, power generation plants, and other industrial operations. The implications are particularly severe given that these systems often control physical processes and may lack traditional network security controls found in enterprise environments.
From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1543.003 for creating persistence mechanisms and T1071.004 for application layer protocols, as attackers can leverage the file inclusion capability to establish backdoors or deploy malicious payloads. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous in networked industrial environments where system administrators may not have comprehensive visibility into all connected devices. The affected versions represent legacy systems that may not receive regular security updates, exacerbating the risk for organizations that have not migrated to supported software releases.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate affected systems from general network access, deployment of network monitoring tools to detect anomalous file access patterns, and implementation of strict file access controls on system directories. The recommended long-term solution involves upgrading to supported software versions as specified by Honeywell, which includes applying all relevant security patches and maintaining current software versions. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege controls, regular security assessments, and establishing proper change management processes for system configurations can significantly reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.