Advantech WebAccess

CVSS v3 7.1

ATTENTION: Low skill level to exploit

Vendor: Advantech

Equipment: WebAccess

Vulnerability: DLL Hijacking

AFFECTED PRODUCTS

The following WebAccess, an HMI, versions are affected:

• Advantech WebAccess Versions 8.1 and prior.

IMPACT

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the system.

MITIGATION

Advantech has released a new version of WebAccess to address the reported vulnerability. WebAccess Version 8.2 can be downloaded at:

http://www.advantech.com/industrial-automation/webaccess

NCCIC/ICS-CERT recommends that users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability. Specifically, users should:

• Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, and ensure that they are not accessible from the Internet.
• Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls, and isolate them from the business network.
• When remote access is required, use secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), recognizing that VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize that VPN is only as secure as the connected devices.

ICS-CERT reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures.

ICS-CERT also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS-CERT web page. Several recommended practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.

Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available in the ICS‑CERT Technical Information Paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B--Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies, that is available for download from the ICS-CERT web site.

Organizations observing any suspected malicious activity should follow their established internal procedures and report their findings to ICS-CERT for tracking and correlation against other incidents.

VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW

The DLL hijacking vulnerability has been identified, which may allow an attacker to run a malicious DLL file within the search path resulting in execution of arbitrary code.

CVE-2017-5175 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 7.1 has been assigned; the CVSS vector string is (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H).

RESEARCHER

Li MingZheng Kuangn identified the vulnerability and tested the patch.

BACKGROUND

Critical Infrastructure Sector: Critical Manufacturing

Countries/Areas Deployed: Taiwan, United States, Europe

Company Headquarters Location: Taiwan

• Advantech