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Advantech WebAccess Stack-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

Low RiskICS-CERT ICSA-15-258-04Jun 18, 2015
Summary

Advantech WebAccess versions 8.0 and earlier contain a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-121) that allows an attacker to send malformed input or network traffic to the application, potentially executing arbitrary code with the process privileges. The vulnerability exists in the web interface or API component of WebAccess, which is commonly deployed as a SCADA data access layer and remote monitoring platform in industrial environments.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker who reaches your WebAccess system over the network could overflow its memory buffer, potentially running arbitrary code on the device and gaining control of your SCADA interface or web-based monitoring dashboards.
Who's at risk
Water authorities and utilities with Advantech WebAccess deployments used for remote monitoring, alarm management, or HMI (human-machine interface) functions should assess their exposure, particularly systems running version 8.0 or earlier.
How it could be exploited
An attacker sends specially crafted input or network traffic to the WebAccess application that exceeds buffer boundaries. This overflow can overwrite memory on the stack, allowing the attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the WebAccess process.
Prerequisites
  • Network reachability to the WebAccess web interface or API port
  • No specific authentication or credentials mentioned as required
Remotely exploitableStack-based buffer overflow (memory corruption)No patch available from vendorAffects monitoring and control interfaces
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.5%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
WebAccess: <=8.0≤ 8.0No fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/3
Do now
0/1
WORKAROUNDRestrict network access to WebAccess systems using firewall rules; only allow connections from authorized engineering workstations and control systems
Mitigations - no patch available
0/2
WebAccess: <=8.0 has reached End of Life. The vendor will not release a patch. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGSegment WebAccess systems from general corporate networks and the internet using network isolation
HARDENINGMonitor WebAccess logs and network traffic for suspicious connection attempts or malformed input
View full CISA ICS-CERT advisory
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Advantech WebAccess Stack-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability - OTPulse