CVE-2021-37206 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in SIPROTEC 5 relays with CPU variants CP050, CP100, and CP300, where unauthenticated attackers could force a restart of the target device through specially crafted packets.

Understanding CVE-2021-37206

This section delves deeper into the details of the CVE-2021-37206 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-37206?

CVE-2021-37206 affects SIPROTEC 5 relays with CPU variants CP050, CP100, and CP300, allowing remote unauthenticated attackers to trigger a device restart by sending malicious packets.

The Impact of CVE-2021-37206

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as attackers can disrupt the operation of critical infrastructure protected by the affected SIPROTEC 5 relays.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-37206

This section outlines the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-37206 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the improper processing of received webpackets, enabling unauthenticated remote attackers to exploit the flaw.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of SIPROTEC 5 relays with CPU variants CP050, CP100, and CP300 prior to V8.80 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with access to any Ethernet interface can send specially crafted packets to trigger a restart of the target device.

Mitigation and Prevention

Below are the recommended mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-37206.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the security patch V8.80 or later released by Siemens to address the vulnerability.
Implement network security controls to restrict access to the relays' Ethernet interfaces.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor network traffic for any anomalous activities.
Keep all network-connected devices up-to-date with the latest security patches.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from Siemens and promptly apply patches to ensure your systems are protected against known vulnerabilities.