CVE-2013-2802 in UDR
Summary
by MITRE
The universal protocol implementation in Sixnet UDR before 2.0 and RTU firmware before 4.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code; read, modify, or create files; or obtain file metadata via function opcodes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2802 affects Sixnet UDR universal protocol implementation in devices running firmware versions prior to 20 and RTU firmware versions prior to 4.8. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes network infrastructure equipment to remote exploitation. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the protocol implementation, specifically in how function opcodes are processed. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code on affected devices, effectively gaining complete control over the targeted systems. The flaw operates at the protocol level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring physical access or specialized knowledge of the device's internal architecture. The vulnerability impacts both universal protocol implementations and RTU firmware components, suggesting a widespread exposure across Sixnet's product line. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read, though the specific exploitation vector involves improper handling of function opcodes that should be properly validated before execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution capabilities. Remote attackers can perform file system operations including reading, modifying, and creating files on the affected devices. This comprehensive file system access enables attackers to manipulate critical system files, install backdoors, or extract sensitive configuration data. The ability to obtain file metadata provides attackers with additional intelligence about the device's internal structure and potentially reveals information about other connected systems or network topology. The vulnerability essentially transforms the affected devices from network infrastructure components into potential entry points for broader network attacks, aligning with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and control execution. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet, provided they can reach the affected network segments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2802 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Sixnet to versions 2.0 and 4.8 or later, which contain patches addressing the protocol implementation flaws. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks. Regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify any remaining unpatched systems within the organization's infrastructure. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous protocol traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure protocol implementation and input validation, which are fundamental requirements in cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST SP 800-30 for risk assessment and security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this type of protocol vulnerability. The incident highlights the critical need for regular security updates and proper security testing of industrial control systems, particularly those implementing custom or proprietary protocols that may lack comprehensive security review processes.