1. Introduction
The WellinTech KingView History Server Detection indicates a SCADA service is listening on a remote host. This means a system used to collect data from industrial control systems is accessible, potentially allowing attackers to gather sensitive information about the controlled process. Affected systems are typically those running KingView software in operational technology environments. A successful attack could compromise confidentiality of recorded events, integrity of historical data, and availability of trend analysis.
2. Technical Explanation
The WellinTech KingView History Server records events generated by KingView client applications. The server listens for connections to receive this data. An attacker can connect to the server remotely and potentially extract recorded event information, or attempt further exploitation if vulnerabilities exist within the server software itself. There is no known CVE associated with this detection; it represents a basic exposure rather than a specific flaw.
- Root cause: The KingView History Server service is running and listening on a network interface.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker could connect to the server using standard networking tools like
netcator custom scripts to retrieve data. For example, connecting to the server’s port may reveal version information or allow access to event logs. - Scope: Systems running WellinTech KingView History Server software are affected. Specific versions were not provided in the context.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming a vulnerable system involves identifying whether the KingView History Server service is active. A quick check can reveal its presence, while more thorough methods involve examining running processes and network listeners.
- Quick checks: Use
netstatto list listening ports and identify the server process. - Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 93874 may detect this service; however, results should be verified manually.
- Logs and evidence: Check Windows Event Logs for events related to KingView History Server startup or activity. Specific event IDs were not provided in the context.
netstat -an | findstr "WellinTech"4. Solution / Remediation Steps
Fixing this issue requires assessing the necessity of the service and implementing appropriate security measures. If the service is required, restrict network access and ensure it’s running the latest version.
4.1 Preparation
- Services: Stop the WellinTech KingView History Server service if possible during remediation.
- Dependencies: Ensure stopping the service does not impact critical operations. A roll back plan involves restoring the system from the backup or restarting the service.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Stop the WellinTech KingView History Server service using the Services console (
services.msc). - Step 2: Configure the Windows Firewall to block inbound connections to the port used by the server.
- Step 3: If the service is required, update it to the latest version available from WellinTech.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
netstat -an | findstr "WellinTech" (shows service listening on port)After
netstat -an | findstr "WellinTech" (should show no listening ports)4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
List only practices that directly address this vulnerability type. Use neutral wording and examples instead of fixed advice. For example: least privilege, input validation, safe defaults, secure headers, patch cadence.
- Practice 1: Least privilege – restrict access to the server to only authorized users and systems.
- Practice 2: Network segmentation – isolate the SCADA network from other networks to limit potential impact.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
# PowerShell example to block inbound port 12345 (replace with actual port)
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Block KingView History Server Port" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 12345 -Action Block -Enabled True5. Verification / Validation
Confirming the fix involves verifying that the service is no longer listening on the network and that access is blocked. A smoke test should ensure core functionality remains operational.
- Post-fix check: Run
netstat -an | findstr "WellinTech"; output should be empty. - Re-test: Re-run the initial detection method (
netstat) to confirm the service is no longer visible. - Smoke test: Verify that KingView client applications can still connect and record data if the service is required.
- Monitoring: Monitor firewall logs for blocked connections on the server’s port as an example of regression detection.
netstat -an | findstr "WellinTech" (should show no listening ports)6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Suggest only measures that are relevant to the vulnerability type. Use “for example” to keep advice conditional, not prescriptive.
- Baselines: Update security baselines or policies to include restrictions on unnecessary SCADA services.
- Pipelines: Implement automated checks in deployment pipelines to ensure new systems do not expose this service unnecessarily.
- Asset and patch process: Establish a regular patch review cycle for all SCADA components.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
- Risk or side effect 2: Stopping the service may impact data recording functionality.
- Roll back: Restart the WellinTech KingView History Server service and remove any firewall rules created during remediation.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://web.archive.org/web/20110421065111/http://en.wellintech.com:80/products/detail.aspx?contentid=15
- NVD or CVE entry: No specific CVE is associated with this detection.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: WellinTech KingView History Server documentation regarding firewall configuration and service management.