CVE-2022-43663 in KingHistorian
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2023
An integer conversion vulnerability exists in the SORBAx64.dll RecvPacket functionality of WellinTech KingHistorian 35.01.00.05. A specially crafted network packet can lead to a buffer overflow. An attacker can send a malicious packet to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-43663 represents a critical integer conversion flaw within the SORBAx64.dll component of WellinTech KingHistorian version 35.01.00.05. This issue manifests specifically within the RecvPacket functionality, which processes incoming network communications for the industrial monitoring and data acquisition system. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values during packet processing operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted network traffic.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a specially formatted network packet designed to trigger an integer conversion error. This flaw allows for a buffer overflow condition within the RecvPacket function, where the system fails to properly validate or convert integer values before using them as buffer sizes or offsets. The improper conversion enables attackers to manipulate memory boundaries and potentially execute arbitrary code within the context of the affected application. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category for integer overflow and under CWE-121 for stack-based buffer overflow, representing a fundamental flaw in input validation and memory management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system compromise, particularly within industrial environments where KingHistorian serves as a critical data collection and monitoring platform. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems, potentially disrupting operations, accessing sensitive operational data, or establishing persistent access points within industrial networks. The implications are particularly concerning given that KingHistorian is commonly deployed in critical infrastructure sectors including energy, manufacturing, and process control environments where system integrity and availability are paramount.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to limit access to the affected system, deployment of network intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious packet patterns, and application-level firewalls to restrict incoming connections to only necessary ports. Additionally, organizations should prioritize patch management and apply the vendor-provided updates as soon as they become available. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and integer handling in network-facing applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter and T1210 for exploitation of remote services. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime application self-protection measures and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other industrial control system components.