CVE-2021-22714 in PowerLogic ION7400
Summary
by MITRE • 03/12/2021
A CWE-119:Improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer vulnerability exists in PowerLogic ION7400, PM8000 and ION9000 (All versions prior to V3.0.0), which could cause the meter to reboot or allow for remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-22714 represents a critical memory safety issue affecting PowerLogic ION7400, PM8000, and ION9000 metering devices across all firmware versions prior to V3.0.0. This weakness falls under CWE-119, which specifically addresses improper restriction of operations within memory buffer boundaries, making it a fundamental software flaw that can lead to severe operational consequences. The affected devices are part of the industrial metering infrastructure that monitors electrical power consumption and distribution in critical facilities, making their security paramount to overall system integrity.
The technical flaw manifests as a buffer overflow condition that occurs when the affected meters process certain network commands or data inputs. When these devices receive malformed or excessively large data packets, the memory handling mechanisms fail to properly validate input boundaries, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This vulnerability operates at the application layer where network protocols are processed, and the buffer overflow can be triggered through network-based attacks without requiring physical access to the devices. The improper memory restriction allows for arbitrary code execution when the overflow occurs, as attackers can manipulate the instruction pointer to redirect execution flow to malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device instability, as it can result in complete system compromise through remote code execution capabilities. When a device reboots due to the buffer overflow, it creates potential denial of service conditions that can disrupt critical power monitoring operations in industrial environments. More concerning is the possibility of persistent remote code execution, which would allow attackers to gain complete control over the metering devices and potentially use them as entry points for broader network infiltration. These industrial meters often serve as critical components in SCADA systems, making their compromise particularly dangerous for operational technology environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-22714 should prioritize immediate firmware upgrades to version 3.0.0 or later, which contain the necessary memory boundary checks and input validation mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit direct network access to these devices, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210, which involves exploiting weaknesses in remote services, and represents a common attack vector in industrial control systems where legacy devices often lack proper security hardening. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their industrial networks to identify other potentially affected devices that may be running vulnerable firmware versions, as similar vulnerabilities often exist in other industrial metering and monitoring equipment.