CVE-2017-12708 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
An Improper Restriction Of Operations Within The Bounds Of A Memory Buffer issue was discovered in Advantech WebAccess versions prior to V8.2_20170817. Researchers have identified multiple vulnerabilities that allow invalid locations to be referenced for the memory buffer, which may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause the system to crash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12708 represents a critical memory safety issue affecting Advantech WebAccess software versions prior to V8.2_20170817. This flaw manifests as an improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer, a classification that maps directly to CWE-121, which describes violations in the restriction of operations within memory buffers. The vulnerability specifically impacts the software's handling of memory operations, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit memory access violations that could result in system compromise or denial of service conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms within the Advantech WebAccess application. When processing certain inputs or data streams, the software fails to properly validate memory access boundaries, allowing attackers to reference memory locations that should remain protected or inaccessible. This memory corruption vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate memory contents through carefully crafted inputs that exceed expected buffer limits. The flaw operates at the intersection of buffer overflow conditions and memory safety violations, creating a pathway for unauthorized code execution or system instability.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risks to industrial control systems and building automation environments where Advantech WebAccess is deployed. The ability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems could enable attackers to gain full administrative control over the targeted environment, potentially compromising critical infrastructure operations. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple system crashes, as successful exploitation could lead to persistent access, data exfiltration, or disruption of essential operational processes. Organizations relying on these industrial automation platforms face potential operational disruptions that could affect manufacturing processes, facility management systems, or other critical infrastructure components.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of Advantech WebAccess in industrial environments, where security considerations may be less stringent than in traditional enterprise settings. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability through network-based exploitation, potentially targeting exposed web interfaces or communication protocols that the software utilizes. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious commands within the compromised system. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as the vulnerability represents a persistent threat that could be actively exploited in the wild.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of the vendor-provided security patches for Advantech WebAccess V8.2_20170817 and subsequent versions. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks. Regular vulnerability assessments and security monitoring should be conducted to identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should implement robust memory safety practices in their development lifecycle, including comprehensive input validation, bounds checking, and secure coding practices that address the underlying CWE-121 vulnerability patterns. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that patch deployment does not introduce compatibility issues with existing industrial control system configurations and operational procedures.