Tropos Wireless Mesh Routers

Low RiskICS-CERT ICSA-12-297-01Jul 27, 2012

Summary

Tropos Mesh OS versions below 7.9.1.1 use weak random number generation (CWE-331) for cryptographic key generation in the wireless mesh network. This allows an attacker within wireless range to predict or reproduce encryption keys, potentially compromising the confidentiality and integrity of mesh communications. No vendor patch is available for affected versions.

What this means

What could happen

An attacker could intercept or forge wireless mesh network communications due to weak cryptographic key generation, potentially disrupting network routing or eavesdropping on traffic between mesh nodes.

Who's at risk

Utilities and municipalities using Tropos wireless mesh networks for backhaul communication or remote device connectivity should be concerned. This affects outdoor mesh network deployments in electric utilities, water systems, and gas networks that rely on Tropos for SCADA/RTU backhaul or field device communication.

How it could be exploited

An attacker within wireless range of the mesh network could exploit the weak random number generation (CWE-331) to predict or reproduce the cryptographic keys used to secure mesh communications, allowing them to decrypt traffic or inject malicious routing information.

Prerequisites

Wireless proximity to the Tropos mesh network
Tropos Mesh OS version below 7.9.1.1

Low complexity exploitationNo patch availableWeak cryptographic key generation

Exploitability

Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.1%)

Affected products (1)

ProductAffected VersionsFix Status

Mesh OS: <7.9.1.1<7.9.1.1No fix (EOL)

Remediation & Mitigation

0/3

Do now

0/1

HARDENINGDisable wireless mesh network access from public or untrusted areas; restrict physical proximity to mesh nodes

Schedule — requires maintenance window

0/1

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HARDENINGMonitor mesh network logs for unexpected routing changes or configuration modifications

Mitigations - no patch available

0/1

Mesh OS: <7.9.1.1 has reached End of Life. The vendor will not release a patch. Apply the following compensating controls:

HARDENINGIsolate the wireless mesh network from untrusted networks using network segmentation and firewalls

CVEs (1)

CVE-2012-4898

View full CISA ICS-CERT advisory

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