External risk intelligence

InduSoft Web Studio Directory Traversal Allows Password Disclosure and Code Execution.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2014-0780

A directory traversal vulnerability in InduSoft Web Studio allows remote attackers to read administrative passwords and execute arbitrary code. This impacts organizations using the affected software, potentially leading to unauthorized system control and business risk.

4Halo Surface Signal

Path Traversal

Indusoft Web Studio

7.1

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2014-0780

The vulnerability affects a web server (NTWebServer) component of InduSoft Web Studio, an industrial automation software suite. Such web-based interfaces and management portals in ICS/SCADA environments are frequently deployed as internet-facing or externally reachable endpoints to facilitate remote monitoring and control, making them a common part of the exposed attack surface.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The InduSoft Web Studio's NTWebServer component contains a directory traversal vulnerability. This flaw allows remote attackers to access administrative passwords stored in APP files. Consequently, this could lead to the execution of arbitrary code within the affected systems.

  • Vulnerable web server component
  • Allows reading of administrative passwords
  • Potential for arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The NTWebServer component in InduSoft Web Studio is susceptible to a directory traversal vulnerability. This allows remote attackers to access sensitive administrative password files. Consequently, attackers can gain control and execute arbitrary code on the affected system.

  • Web interface requires exposure.
  • Attacker sends web requests.
  • Control gained via password access.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to access sensitive administrative password files and potentially execute arbitrary code. The attack exploits a weakness in the web server component of the affected software. Attackers could leverage this to gain unauthorized control over systems.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Not specified.
  • Required access or conditions: Network access.
  • Business risk or urgency: Critical.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A critical directory traversal vulnerability in InduSoft Web Studio allows remote attackers to access sensitive administrative passwords and potentially execute arbitrary code. This poses a significant risk to operational technology systems. Understanding the scope of affected assets and implementing remediation steps is essential to mitigate this threat.

  • Find exposed InduSoft Web Studio assets.
  • Isolate or reduce risk of exposure.
  • Apply vendor updates and verify.
  • Monitor for related activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is InduSoft Web Studio and its primary function?

InduSoft Web Studio is a software suite designed for industrial automation, enabling the creation of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and SCADA systems for monitoring and controlling industrial processes.

How does the CVE-2014-0780 vulnerability function?

CVE-2014-0780 is a directory traversal vulnerability in the NTWebServer component of InduSoft Web Studio. This flaw allows remote attackers to access and read sensitive administrative password files (APP files) due to improper handling of file paths.

What allows an attacker to exploit CVE-2014-0780?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted web requests to the vulnerable NTWebServer component. This allows them to navigate to and read sensitive files outside the intended directory, such as administrative password files.

What are the potential impacts of exploiting CVE-2014-0780?

Successful exploitation of CVE-2014-0780 can lead to the disclosure of administrative passwords, which can then be used to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to a full compromise.

What is the recommended mitigation for CVE-2014-0780?

The primary recommendation is to upgrade InduSoft Web Studio to a patched version, specifically 7.1 SP2 Patch 4 or later. Additionally, it is strongly advised not to use the NTWebServer component in production environments.

References