CVE-2019-10931 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been found in various types of SIPROTEC 5 devices, affecting specific CPU variants and Ethernet communication modules. The vulnerability could lead to a Denial of Service condition when receiving specially crafted packets.

Understanding CVE-2019-10931

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in multiple Siemens AG products, including SIPROTEC 5 devices and DIGSI 5 engineering software.

What is CVE-2019-10931?

The vulnerability impacts several SIPROTEC 5 device types with specific CPU variants and their corresponding Ethernet communication modules, potentially leading to a Denial of Service scenario.

The Impact of CVE-2019-10931

The vulnerability could result in a Denial of Service condition if malicious packets are sent to port 443/TCP on the affected devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-10931

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability affects various SIPROTEC 5 devices with specific CPU variants and Ethernet communication modules, allowing for a Denial of Service attack through specially crafted packets.

Affected Systems and Versions

All other SIPROTEC 5 device types with CPU variants CP300 and CP100 and their respective Ethernet communication modules
DIGSI 5 engineering software versions below V7.90
SIPROTEC 5 device types 6MD85, 6MD86, 6MD89, 7UM85, 7SA87, 7SD87, 7SL87, 7VK87, 7SA82, 7SA86, 7SD82, 7SD86, 7SL82, 7SL86, 7SJ86, 7SK82, 7SK85, 7SJ82, 7SJ85, 7UT82, 7UT85, 7UT86, 7UT87, and 7VE85
SIPROTEC 5 device types 7SS85 and 7KE85
SIPROTEC 5 device types with CPU variants CP200 and their respective Ethernet communication modules
SIPROTEC 5 relays with CPU variants CP200 and their respective Ethernet communication modules

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by sending specially crafted packets to port 443/TCP on the affected devices, triggering a Denial of Service condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-10931 is crucial to maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-supplied patches or updates to mitigate the vulnerability
Implement network segmentation to limit exposure
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and firmware to address security flaws
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities
Educate staff on cybersecurity best practices

Patching and Updates

Siemens AG may release patches or updates to address the vulnerability
Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly