CVE-2015-2097 in Embedded Standard Protocol Sdk
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in WebGate Embedded Standard Protocol (WESP) SDK allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors to the (1) LoadImage or (2) LoadImageEx function in the WESPMonitor.WESPMonitorCtrl.1 control, (3) ChangePassword function in the WESPCONFIGLib.UserItem control, Connect function in the (4) WESPSerialPort.WESPSerialPortCtrl.1 or (5) WESPPLAYBACKLib.WESPPlaybackCtrl control, or (6) AddID function in the WESPCONFIGLib.IDList control or a (7) long string to the second argument to the ConnectEx3 function in the WESPPLAYBACKLib.WESPPlaybackCtrl control.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2097 represents a critical buffer overflow issue within the WebGate Embedded Standard Protocol (WESP) SDK, affecting multiple components of the WebGate Embedded Standard Protocol Monitor and Configuration libraries. This vulnerability resides in the WESPMonitor.WESPMonitorCtrl.1 control where the LoadImage and LoadImageEx functions are susceptible to buffer overflows, while the WESPCONFIGLib.UserItem control contains a vulnerable ChangePassword function. Additionally, the WESPSerialPort.WESPSerialPortCtrl.1 and WESPPLAYBACKLib.WESPPlaybackCtrl controls exhibit similar vulnerabilities in their Connect functions, with the WESPPLAYBACKLib.WESPPlaybackCtrl control also containing a buffer overflow in its AddID function. The most complex vector involves the ConnectEx3 function where a long string passed as the second argument creates a buffer overflow condition. This vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the successful exploitation could enable arbitrary code execution. The affected components are part of a broader ecosystem that handles embedded video surveillance and monitoring protocols, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in security-sensitive environments.
The technical implementation of these buffer overflows occurs when the affected functions receive input parameters that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The LoadImage and LoadImageEx functions likely process image data without proper bounds checking, while the ChangePassword function in the UserItem control may not validate password length or character sequences. The Connect functions in both serial port and playback controls are susceptible to buffer overflows when handling connection parameters, and the AddID function in the IDList control fails to validate the length of identifiers passed to it. The ConnectEx3 function in the playback control presents an additional attack surface where a long string argument in the second parameter position creates the overflow condition, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow through stack-based memory corruption. These vulnerabilities are classified as remote code execution exploits, meaning an attacker can trigger the buffer overflows from outside the local network without requiring physical access to the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2097 is significant, as successful exploitation could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. In surveillance and monitoring environments, this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to video feeds, modify system configurations, or even take control of the entire monitoring infrastructure. The attack vectors are diverse, covering multiple functions across different control libraries, making it difficult for administrators to patch all affected components without comprehensive system assessment. The vulnerability affects systems that utilize WebGate Embedded Standard Protocol for video surveillance, which is commonly deployed in enterprise security environments, government facilities, and critical infrastructure protection systems. Given the nature of surveillance systems, exploitation could result in privacy breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive areas, and potential data exfiltration. The vulnerability also impacts the integrity of security systems, as attackers could modify or delete surveillance data, potentially compromising ongoing investigations or security operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2097 should focus on immediate patching of all affected components within the WESP SDK, with particular attention to the WESPMonitor.WESPMonitorCtrl.1, WESPCONFIGLib.UserItem, WESPSerialPort.WESPSerialPortCtrl.1, and WESPPLAYBACKLib.WESPPlaybackCtrl controls. Organizations should implement input validation and bounds checking for all functions that handle external data, particularly those that process image data, password changes, and connection parameters. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to affected systems, especially those running WebGate Embedded Standard Protocol components. The use of application whitelisting and runtime protection mechanisms can help prevent exploitation attempts by blocking malicious code execution. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential buffer overflow vulnerabilities within embedded systems and legacy software components. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically for handling remote code execution vulnerabilities in surveillance and monitoring systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper input validation in embedded systems, particularly those handling sensitive security data.