CVE-2018-5475 in D60 Line Distance Relay
Summary
by MITRE
A Stack-based Buffer Overflow issue was discovered in GE D60 Line Distance Relay devices running firmware Version 7.11 and prior. Multiple stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities have been identified, which may allow remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5475 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow condition within GE D60 Line Distance Relay devices operating on firmware versions 7.11 and earlier. This issue resides in the network communication handling mechanisms of these industrial protection devices, which are specifically designed to monitor and protect electrical power systems from faults and overcurrent conditions. These relays form essential components within power grid infrastructure, making their security particularly critical for maintaining operational continuity and grid stability.
The technical flaw manifests as a stack-based buffer overflow that occurs when the device processes incoming network packets or commands. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted network traffic that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing the program stack to overflow and potentially allowing arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue where data written to a buffer exceeds its allocated boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution without requiring physical access to the device, making it a prime target for cyberattacks against critical infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation, as it can compromise the integrity of power system protection mechanisms. When an attacker successfully executes code on a D60 relay, they gain the ability to manipulate the device's protective functions, potentially causing false tripping of circuit breakers, disabling protective relays, or creating conditions that could lead to cascading failures within the power grid. This represents a significant risk to the availability and reliability of electrical services, with potential consequences ranging from localized power outages to widespread blackouts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers could potentially use the executed code to establish persistent access or deploy additional malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5475 require immediate firmware updates from GE to address the buffer overflow conditions in affected devices. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of these critical devices to untrusted networks, while also employing network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their industrial control systems to identify other potentially vulnerable devices running similar firmware versions. The remediation process must consider the operational constraints of industrial environments, as power system protection devices often require minimal downtime during maintenance. Additionally, implementing network intrusion detection systems specifically designed for industrial protocols can help identify and prevent exploitation attempts targeting these types of vulnerabilities.