CVE-2014-9190 in Wonderware InTouch Access Anywhere Server
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Schneider Electric Wonderware InTouch Access Anywhere Server 10.6 and 11.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a request for a filename that does not exist.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9190 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Schneider Electric Wonderware InTouch Access Anywhere Server versions 10.6 and 11.0. This security weakness resides in the server's handling of file access requests and specifically manifests when processing requests for non-existent filenames. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the application's file retrieval mechanism, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system control. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and affects systems running the specified versions of the Wonderware InTouch Access Anywhere Server software, which is commonly deployed in industrial control systems and SCADA environments where operational technology security is paramount.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the server processes a malformed file request containing a filename that does not exist within the system's file structure. During this processing, the application fails to properly validate the length of the requested filename against the allocated stack buffer space, allowing an attacker to overflow the buffer and overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical execution data within the program's stack frame. The flaw follows the common pattern of stack-based buffer overflows as classified under CWE-121, which specifically addresses conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to be written beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to initiate the attack, making it particularly dangerous in connected industrial environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to completely compromise the affected server and potentially gain access to the broader industrial control network. In environments where Wonderware InTouch Access Anywhere Server serves as a gateway for remote access to critical infrastructure, successful exploitation could enable attackers to manipulate industrial processes, access sensitive operational data, or disrupt critical manufacturing operations. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework would likely map to techniques such as T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers could leverage the compromised server to establish persistent access or launch further attacks against connected systems. The affected industrial control systems may experience operational disruptions, data integrity issues, and potential safety hazards if the compromised server controls critical process variables or safety systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through official patches provided by Schneider Electric, as the company would have released security updates addressing the specific buffer overflow condition. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected server, deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential compromise. The vulnerability's presence in industrial environments also necessitates enhanced monitoring of network traffic patterns for unusual file access requests and implementation of robust network access controls. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of malicious payloads and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored for industrial control system security incidents. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing new operational issues in critical industrial environments where system stability and uptime are essential.