Advantech WebAccess Node

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• CVSS v3 9.8 *ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low skill level to exploit
• **Vendor:**Advantech
• Equipment: WebAccess Node
• Vulnerability: Stack-based Buffer Overflow

2. RISK EVALUATION

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could crash the application being accessed; a buffer overflow condition may allow remote code execution.

3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

The following versions of WebAccess Node, an HMI platform, are affected:

• WebAccess Node Version 8.4.4 and prior

3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW

3.2.1 STACK-BASED BUFFER OVERFLOW CWE-121

The affected product is vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow, which may allow an attacker to remotely execute arbitrary code.

CVE-2020-12019 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 9.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).

3.3 BACKGROUND

• CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Critical Manufacturing, Energy, Water and Wastewater Systems
• **COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED:**East Asia, United States, Europe
• **COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION:**Taiwan

3.4 RESEARCHER

Z0mb1E, working with Trend Micro’s Zero Day Initiative, reported this vulnerability to CISA.

4. MITIGATIONS

Advantech has released patch P0520844 for WebAccess Node Version 8.4.4 to address the reported vulnerability.

CISA recommends 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.

CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures.

CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on us-cert.gov. 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 on the ICS webpage on us-cert.gov in the Technical Information Paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B–Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.

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

No known public exploits specifically target this vulnerability.