1. Introduction
WellinTech KingHistorian Detection indicates a SCADA application is installed on a remote Windows host. KingHistorian is used for data collection and analysis within industrial control systems. This matters to businesses as these applications often manage critical infrastructure, making them targets for disruption or sabotage. A successful exploit could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of operational data.
2. Technical Explanation
KingHistorian is installed on a Windows host without specific security hardening. Exploitation typically involves targeting vulnerabilities within the application itself or its associated web interface. Preconditions include network access to the affected system and knowledge of the KingHistorian installation details. There are no known CVEs currently associated with this detection, but it represents a high-risk situation due to the nature of SCADA applications.
- Root cause: The application is present on the host without further assessment of its security configuration.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker could attempt to exploit known vulnerabilities in KingHistorian via its web interface or by directly targeting the application’s services.
- Scope: Windows hosts running the WellinTech KingHistorian application.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming a system is vulnerable involves identifying if KingHistorian is installed. A quick check can be performed via the Programs and Features list, while a thorough method includes examining running services.
- Quick checks: Check the Windows “Programs and Features” control panel for “WellinTech KingHistorian”.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 138679 may identify the application. This is an example only, results vary depending on scanner configuration.
- Logs and evidence: Examine the Windows Application event log for events related to KingHistorian installation or startup.
wmic product get name | findstr "WellinTech KingHistorian"4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The following steps outline how to address the detection of WellinTech KingHistorian. These steps focus on assessing and mitigating the risk associated with its presence.
4.1 Preparation
- Ensure you have access to WellinTech documentation for potential configuration options. A roll back plan involves restoring from the pre-change snapshot.
- A change window may be required depending on operational impact. Approval should be sought from relevant system owners.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Review the KingHistorian configuration to determine its purpose and network connectivity.
- Step 2: If KingHistorian is no longer required, uninstall it using the Windows “Programs and Features” control panel.
- Step 3: If KingHistorian is required, ensure it is patched to the latest version available from WellinTech.
- Step 4: Implement network segmentation to limit access to the KingHistorian host.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
No specific configuration example available without detailed KingHistorian setup information. Assume default installation settings.After
Ensure KingHistorian is updated to the latest version and network access is restricted using firewall rules.4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help mitigate risks associated with SCADA applications like KingHistorian.
- Practice 1: Least privilege – restrict user accounts and service permissions to the minimum required for operation.
- Practice 2: Network segmentation – isolate critical systems from untrusted networks.
- Practice 3: Patch cadence – regularly update software, including SCADA applications, with security patches.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
No automation script is provided due to the specific configuration requirements of KingHistorian and potential operational impact.
5. Verification / Validation
Confirming the fix involves verifying that KingHistorian is either uninstalled or updated, and network access is appropriately restricted.
- Post-fix check: Run `wmic product get name | findstr “WellinTech KingHistorian”` – no output should be returned if uninstalled.
- Re-test: Re-run the quick check from Section 3 to confirm the application is removed or updated.
- Smoke test: Verify that any dependent systems continue to receive data as expected (if applicable).
- Monitoring: Monitor network traffic to and from the KingHistorian host for unexpected connections.
wmic product get name | findstr "WellinTech KingHistorian"6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Preventive measures include updating security baselines and incorporating checks into deployment pipelines.
- Baselines: Update a security baseline to disallow the installation of unapproved SCADA applications like KingHistorian.
- Pipelines: Add software inventory scans in CI/CD pipelines to detect unauthorized software installations.
- Asset and patch process: Implement a regular review cycle for all assets, including SCADA systems, to ensure they are patched and configured securely.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Uninstalling or updating KingHistorian may disrupt operational processes if not carefully planned.
- Risk or side effect 1: Service disruption – uninstalling or patching could impact data collection. Mitigation involves careful planning and testing during a maintenance window.
- Risk or side effect 2: Compatibility issues – updates might introduce compatibility problems with other systems. Mitigation includes thorough pre-testing in a non-production environment.
- Roll back: Restore from the pre-change snapshot if any issues occur. Reinstall the previous version of KingHistorian if necessary.
8. References and Resources
Links to resources related to this vulnerability.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://www.wellintech.com/index.php/downloads-main/historian-weblinks
- NVD or CVE entry: No specific CVE currently available for this detection.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: http://www.wellintech.com/index.php/downloads-main/historian-weblinks