Advantech WebAccess
Act Now9.8ICS-CERT ICSA-18-135-01May 15, 2018
Attack VectorNetwork
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary
Advantech WebAccess contains multiple vulnerabilities including SQL injection (CWE-89), insecure file operations (CWE-548, CWE-22), insufficient access controls (CWE-285), and buffer overflow issues (CWE-121, CWE-122). Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to disclose sensitive information from the host and target systems, execute arbitrary code, or delete files. Affected versions: WebAccess <= 8.3.0, WebAccess <= 8.2_20170817, WebAccess/NMS <= 2.0.3, WebAccess Dashboard <= 2.0.15, and WebAccess Scada Node < 8.3.1.
What this means
What could happen
An attacker could execute arbitrary code on your WebAccess server, compromise historian data and operator credentials, or disrupt SCADA visibility and control by deleting files or altering configurations. This could lead to loss of situational awareness, unauthorized process changes, or operational shutdown.
Who's at risk
Energy sector operators using Advantech WebAccess for SCADA monitoring, data historians, or remote access gateways. This includes utilities managing power distribution, generation facilities, and operators relying on WebAccess/NMS for multi-site monitoring or WebAccess Dashboard for remote operations.
How it could be exploited
An attacker with network access to the WebAccess server (default or custom port) can inject SQL commands into unvalidated input fields to extract credentials and configuration data, upload malicious files to the server to achieve code execution, or exploit buffer overflows to execute arbitrary commands. No authentication is required.
Prerequisites
- Network access to WebAccess server port (default port varies by deployment)
- No credentials required
- No specific configuration required for exploitation
Remotely exploitableNo authentication requiredLow complexity attackCritical CVSS 9.8Multiple vulnerability classesAffects SCADA/historiandatabase systemsHigh-impact vulnerability
Exploitability
Moderate exploit probability (EPSS 3.4%)
Affected products (5)
5 with fix
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
WebAccess:≤ 8.3.08.3.1
WebAccess:≤ 8.2 201708178.3.1
WebAccess/NMS: 2.0.3 and prior≤ 2.0.38.3.1
WebAccess Dashboard:≤ 2.0.158.3.1
WebAccess Scada Node:< 8.3.18.3.1
Remediation & Mitigation
0/7
Do now
0/6HOTFIXUpdate WebAccess to Version 8.3.1 or later from Advantech support portal
HOTFIXUpdate WebAccess Scada Node to Version 8.3.1 or later
HOTFIXIf running WebAccess/NMS 2.0.3 or WebAccess Dashboard 2.0.15, contact Advantech support for patch availability or migration planning
HARDENINGPlace WebAccess servers behind firewalls and restrict network access to authorized engineering workstations and control networks only
HARDENINGIsolate WebAccess servers from the business network and Internet using network segmentation or air-gapping
HARDENINGIf remote access is required, implement VPN with strong authentication (multi-factor) and keep VPN software updated to current version
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption
HARDENINGMonitor WebAccess server logs and network traffic for suspicious SQL patterns, file operations, or unauthorized access attempts
CVEs (11)
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