CVE-2014-9188 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-2014-8514. NOTE: this may be clarified later based on details provided by researchers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9188 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 vulnerability exists within the ActiveX control architecture which is a Microsoft technology designed to enable interactive web content and application integration. The flaw specifically resides in how the MDraw30.ocx ActiveX control processes input data, creating conditions where malicious input can exceed the allocated buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within a widely deployed industrial control system environment where security is paramount.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the ActiveX control's input processing functions. When the control receives data from external sources, it fails to properly validate the size of incoming parameters before copying them into fixed-size buffers. This allows attackers to craft specially formatted input that exceeds buffer capacity, causing memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the Windows operating system environment, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially bypass standard security mechanisms and privilege boundaries. The flaw specifically affects the ActiveX control's handling of user-supplied data through various interface points, including web-based or network-accessible input channels.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9188 extends beyond typical remote code execution scenarios due to the industrial nature of the affected software. Schneider Electric ProClima is widely used in building automation and environmental control systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for critical infrastructure environments. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain complete system control, potentially leading to unauthorized access to building management systems, disruption of environmental controls, or even physical security breaches. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers do not require physical access to the target systems, making it particularly attractive for cybercriminals targeting industrial control environments. The fact that this vulnerability operates through ActiveX controls also means it can be triggered through web browsers, expanding the attack surface significantly.
Organizations affected by CVE-2014-9188 should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies. The primary recommendation involves updating to Schneider Electric ProClima version 6.1.7 or later, which contains patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks and users. Browser security configurations should be adjusted to disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted domains only. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous data patterns consistent with buffer overflow exploitation attempts provides valuable defensive intelligence. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may map to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through ActiveX components. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other industrial control system components and ensure comprehensive protection against similar threats.