CVE-2018-7471 in KingView
Summary
by MITRE
KingView 7.5SP1 has an integer overflow during stgopenstorage API read operations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7471 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the KingView 7.5SP1 industrial automation software platform, specifically affecting the stgopenstorage API during read operations. This flaw exists within the storage management functionality of the software, which is commonly used in industrial control systems and supervisory control and data acquisition environments. The integer overflow occurs when processing storage operations, creating a scenario where an attacker can manipulate input parameters to cause the software to handle data sizes that exceed the maximum value an integer variable can represent, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the stgopenstorage API implementation. When the API processes read operations on storage objects, it fails to properly validate the size parameters of the data being read, allowing malicious input to cause integer wraparound or overflow conditions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow and wraparound issues, and represents a classic example of improper handling of arithmetic operations that can be exploited to manipulate program execution flow. The flaw is particularly concerning in industrial control environments where KingView is deployed, as these systems often operate in closed networks and may lack traditional security controls found in enterprise environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple software instability, potentially enabling remote code execution or denial of service conditions within industrial control systems. An attacker who can successfully exploit this integer overflow could cause the KingView application to crash, leading to service disruption in critical infrastructure environments. More severely, the overflow could be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the context of the running application, potentially allowing unauthorized access to industrial processes or data. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where KingView is used for SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, which are often targets for sophisticated attacks due to their critical role in operational technology infrastructure. The attack surface is widened by the fact that these systems often have limited security monitoring and may be accessed through legacy protocols that lack modern security features.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7471 should prioritize immediate patching from the vendor, as this represents a known vulnerability with documented exploit capabilities. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to KingView systems and employ monitoring solutions specifically designed for industrial control systems to detect anomalous behavior patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and control through application layer protocols, and T1499, which addresses network denial of service attacks. Additionally, implementing robust input validation controls and conducting regular security assessments of operational technology environments can help prevent exploitation of similar integer overflow conditions. Security teams should also consider the broader context of industrial cybersecurity frameworks, particularly those aligned with NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443 standards, to ensure comprehensive protection against both known and emerging threats targeting industrial control systems.