CVE-2013-2816 in SMP 4
Summary
by MITRE
The DNP3 component in Cooper Power Systems SMP 4, 4/DP, and 16 gateways allows physically proximate attackers to cause a denial of service (reboot or link outage) via crafted input over a serial line.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2816 affects the DNP3 protocol implementation within Cooper Power Systems SMP 4, 4/DP, and 16 gateways, representing a significant security weakness in industrial control systems. This flaw resides in the communication layer responsible for managing critical infrastructure data exchange, specifically within the serial line interface where DNP3 protocol messages are processed. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or verify the integrity of data received through serial communication channels, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered by attackers who have physical proximity to the affected devices.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic case of insufficient sanitization of serial communication data. Attackers can craft specific malicious payloads designed to exploit the gateway's serial line processing logic, causing the device to either reboot unexpectedly or experience complete link outages that disrupt critical communication flows. The attack vector requires only physical proximity to the device, making it particularly concerning for industrial environments where physical security controls may be insufficient or where unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components is possible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can compromise the reliability and availability of critical infrastructure communication networks. When these gateways experience reboot cycles or link outages, they can disrupt the flow of critical operational data between field devices and control centers, potentially affecting power grid management, monitoring, and control functions. The cascading effects of such disruptions can lead to broader system instability, reduced operational efficiency, and potential safety risks in environments where continuous operation is essential for public safety and infrastructure reliability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include implementing robust input validation procedures that filter and sanitize all serial communication data before processing, along with strengthening physical security measures around critical infrastructure components. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous communication patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular firmware updates and security patches should be applied to address known vulnerabilities, while access controls and authentication mechanisms should be strengthened to prevent unauthorized physical access to affected devices. The remediation approach should align with industrial cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443 standards, which emphasize the importance of secure communication protocols and proper input validation in industrial control systems. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically designed for industrial environments to monitor for suspicious serial communication patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.