CVE-2014-5409 in Hydran M2
Summary
by MITRE
The 17046 Ethernet card before 94450214LFMT100SEM-L.R3-CL for the GE Digital Energy Hydran M2 does not properly generate random values for TCP Initial Sequence Numbers (ISNs), which makes it easier for remote attackers to spoof packets by predicting these values.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5409 affects the GE Digital Energy Hydran M2 device with Ethernet card firmware version 17046 before 94450214LFMT100SEM-L.R3-CL. This represents a critical weakness in the network security infrastructure of industrial control systems where predictable sequence numbers can be exploited by malicious actors. The issue stems from insufficient randomness in the generation of TCP Initial Sequence Numbers, which are fundamental to the TCP protocol's security mechanisms. These sequence numbers serve as a crucial element in preventing packet spoofing and ensuring the integrity of network communications between devices.
The technical flaw manifests in the cryptographic weakness of the random number generation algorithm used by the Ethernet card firmware. When TCP connections are established, each side generates an initial sequence number that should be unpredictable to prevent attackers from crafting spoofed packets that can hijack existing connections. In this case, the firmware's implementation of random number generation produces values that follow predictable patterns, making it possible for remote attackers to guess or calculate the next sequence number in a connection. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-330, which addresses the use of insufficiently random values in security-sensitive contexts, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol traffic shaping and manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network disruption to potentially compromise the integrity of industrial control systems. Attackers who can predict TCP ISNs can perform session hijacking, man-in-the-middle attacks, and potentially gain unauthorized access to critical control functions within the Hydran M2 device. This poses significant risks to energy infrastructure operations where such devices control power generation and distribution systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial environments where network security is often less stringent than in enterprise settings, and where the consequences of successful exploitation could result in service disruption, safety hazards, or financial losses. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that the vulnerability is present in the network interface layer, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring physical access to the device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5409 should prioritize firmware updates from GE Digital Energy to address the random number generation weakness in the Ethernet card. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate sequence number prediction attempts and implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential TCP sequence number manipulation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper random number generation in security-sensitive applications and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of industrial control system components. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with sequence number prediction attacks, as the vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the device's ability to maintain secure communication channels.