CVE-2019-19279 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A security flaw has been identified in SIPROTEC 4 and SIPROTEC Compact relays equipped with EN100 Ethernet communication modules, potentially leading to a Denial-of-Service situation.

Understanding CVE-2019-19279

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Siemens AG's SIPROTEC 4 and SIPROTEC Compact relays with EN100 Ethernet communication modules.

What is CVE-2019-19279?

The vulnerability allows specially crafted packets sent to port 50000/UDP of the EN100 Ethernet communication modules to trigger a Denial-of-Service on the affected device.

The Impact of CVE-2019-19279

If exploited, this vulnerability can result in a Denial-of-Service condition for the affected devices, requiring a manual reboot to restore functionality. As of the advisory publication, there have been no known public exploits of this security flaw.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-19279

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from improper input validation in the EN100 Ethernet communication modules, allowing malicious packets to disrupt device operation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: SIPROTEC 4 and SIPROTEC Compact relays equipped with EN100 Ethernet communication modules
Vendor: Siemens AG
Versions: All versions

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending specially designed packets to port 50000/UDP of the EN100 Ethernet communication modules, attackers can cause a Denial-of-Service situation on the affected devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-19279, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity targeting port 50000/UDP.
Implement firewall rules to restrict access to the affected devices.
Regularly update firmware and security patches provided by Siemens.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing on the devices.
Educate staff on cybersecurity best practices and awareness.

Patching and Updates

Apply firmware updates and security patches released by Siemens to mitigate the vulnerability and enhance device security.