CVE-2017-14016 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
A Stack-based Buffer Overflow issue was discovered in Advantech WebAccess versions prior to V8.2_20170817. The application lacks proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a stack-based buffer, which could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code under the context of the process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14016 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in Advantech WebAccess software versions prior to V8.2_20170817. This flaw resides in the application's failure to properly validate the length of user-supplied data before copying it into a stack-based buffer, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation. The issue manifests when the software processes input data without adequate bounds checking, allowing an attacker to overflow the allocated buffer space and potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. Such buffer overflow conditions are particularly dangerous because they can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the context of the running process, effectively granting attackers elevated privileges and system control.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted input data to the vulnerable application through network connections or other input mechanisms. When the application processes this malformed input, the excessive data overflows the intended buffer boundaries and corrupts the stack, potentially allowing an attacker to manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting return addresses or function pointers. This type of vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the T1059.007 technique, which involves the execution of malicious code through buffer overflow exploits.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems and supervisory control and data acquisition environments where Advantech WebAccess is deployed. These systems are often critical infrastructure components in manufacturing, energy, and other industrial sectors, making the potential consequences severe. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially disrupt operations, modify critical process data, or gain persistent access to the industrial network. The vulnerability affects not only the local system but also the broader network infrastructure that relies on these industrial control systems, as compromised systems can serve as entry points for lateral movement within industrial networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14016 should prioritize immediate software updates to Advantech WebAccess V8.2_20170817 or later versions where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks and users. Additional defensive measures include deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, implementing application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in industrial control systems and the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches in operational technology environments.