CVE-2021-22713 : Security Advisory and Response

A CWE-119 vulnerability has been identified in PowerLogic ION series meters, including ION8650, ION8800, ION7650, ION7700/73xx, and ION83xx/84xx/85xx/8600. This vulnerability could lead to a memory buffer overflow, causing the meter to reboot unexpectedly.

Understanding CVE-2021-22713

This section will provide insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-22713.

What is CVE-2021-22713?

The CVE-2021-22713 is associated with a CWE-119 vulnerability, involving improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer in the PowerLogic ION series meters.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22713

The vulnerability could be exploited to trigger a memory buffer overflow, leading to the unexpected reboot of affected PowerLogic ION series meters. This may result in disruptions to energy monitoring and management processes.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22713

In this section, we will delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism of CVE-2021-22713.

Vulnerability Description

The CWE-119 vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate operations beyond the memory buffer's boundaries in PowerLogic ION meters, potentially causing system malfunctions.

Affected Systems and Versions

PowerLogic ION8650, ION8800, ION7650, ION7700/73xx, and ION83xx/84xx/85xx/8600 meters are susceptible to this vulnerability. Users are advised to refer to the security notification for a list of affected versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending crafted input to the meter, threat actors can exploit the buffer overflow vulnerability to disrupt the normal operation and trigger a reboot.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect systems from CVE-2021-22713, immediate measures and long-term security practices need to be implemented along with timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should apply security patches provided by the vendor promptly. Additionally, network segmentation and access control mechanisms can help mitigate potential risks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing regular security assessments, monitoring anomalous behavior, and ensuring timely updates can enhance the resilience of PowerLogic ION meters against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from the vendor to address vulnerabilities promptly and maintain the integrity of energy management systems.