OTPulse

Cogent Real-Time Systems Vulnerabilities

Act NowICS-CERT ICSA-13-095-01Jan 7, 2013
Cogent
Summary

Multiple Cogent real-time data acquisition and integration products contain input validation, error handling, and access control flaws (CWE-20, CWE-755, CWE-763) that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or bypass security controls. Affected products include Cogent DataHub (v7.2.2 and earlier), OPC DataHub (v6.4.21 and earlier), Cascade DataHub for Windows (v6.4.21 and earlier), and DataSim/DataPid demonstration clients. These products are used for real-time data collection, process monitoring, and integration with SCADA and HMI systems in industrial control environments. No vendor patches are available for these vulnerabilities.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker could execute arbitrary code or gain control of systems running Cogent DataHub, OPC DataHub, or Cascade DataHub, potentially disrupting real-time data collection, process monitoring, and control operations in industrial facilities.
Who's at risk
Water utilities, electric utilities, and other industrial facilities using Cogent DataHub, OPC DataHub, or Cascade DataHub for real-time data acquisition, historian functions, or process monitoring are affected. This includes any organization relying on these products for SCADA data aggregation, HMI integration, or equipment monitoring.
How it could be exploited
An attacker with network access to the DataHub services could send malformed or unexpected input that bypasses input validation checks (CWE-20), causing improper error handling (CWE-755) or incorrect permission validation (CWE-763), leading to code execution or unauthorized access.
Prerequisites
  • Network access to Cogent DataHub, OPC DataHub, or Cascade DataHub services (typically port 4502 or related DataHub ports)
  • No authentication required to send malformed input to the vulnerable service
remotely exploitableno authentication requiredhigh EPSS score (51.7%)no patch availableaffects real-time control systems
Exploitability
Likely to be exploited — EPSS score 51.7%
Metasploit module available — weaponized exploitView module ↗
Affected products (6)
6 EOL
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Cogent DataHub: <=7.2.2≤ 7.2.2No fix (EOL)
OPC DataHub: <=6.4.21≤ 6.4.21No fix (EOL)
DataSim and DataPid demonstration clients for OPC DataHub and Cascade DataHub: V6.4.21V6.4.21No fix (EOL)
Cascade DataHub for Windows: <=6.4.21≤ 6.4.21No fix (EOL)
DataHub QuickTrend: <=7.2.2≤ 7.2.2No fix (EOL)
DataSim and DataPid demonstration clients for Cogent DataHub: V7.2.2V7.2.2No fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/4
Do now
0/2
HARDENINGImplement network segmentation to restrict access to DataHub services to only authorized engineering workstations and control systems
WORKAROUNDDeploy firewall rules to block inbound connections to DataHub ports from untrusted networks and the Internet
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HARDENINGMonitor network traffic to DataHub services for suspicious or malformed requests
Mitigations - no patch available
0/1
The following products have reached End of Life with no planned fix: Cogent DataHub: <=7.2.2, OPC DataHub: <=6.4.21, DataSim and DataPid demonstration clients for OPC DataHub and Cascade DataHub: V6.4.21, Cascade DataHub for Windows: <=6.4.21, DataHub QuickTrend: <=7.2.2, DataSim and DataPid demonstration clients for Cogent DataHub: V7.2.2. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGEvaluate vendor updates or alternative products with active security support to replace unsupported DataHub versions
View full CISA ICS-CERT advisory
API: /api/v1/advisories/7a1acb6e-6787-417d-92b6-3fabca4fa1ae

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