Cogent Real-Time Systems Vulnerabilities
Act NowICS-CERT ICSA-13-095-01Jan 7, 2013
Summary
Cogent Real-Time Systems DataHub products (versions 7.2.2 and earlier for DataHub/QuickTrend; 6.4.21 and earlier for OPC DataHub and Cascade DataHub) contain multiple input validation and error handling defects. An attacker can send malformed packets to the DataHub service to bypass security checks, inject malicious commands, or cause a denial of service. The vulnerabilities affect the core data aggregation and supervisory communication functions that link engineering workstations, HMI systems, and field control devices. No patches are currently available from the vendor.
What this means
What could happen
These data hub products lack proper input validation and error handling, allowing an attacker to inject malicious data or commands that could corrupt process data, trigger unintended control actions, or cause the data hub to crash and disrupt plant operations.
Who's at risk
Water and electric utilities using Cogent DataHub, OPC DataHub, or Cascade DataHub for real-time process data aggregation and supervisory control. Also affects facilities running DataHub QuickTrend for trend analysis and historical data access. Any site that relies on these products for SCADA integration or process monitoring is at risk.
How it could be exploited
An attacker with network access to the DataHub service (typically port 8088 or similar) sends specially crafted input packets that bypass input validation checks. The vulnerable input handling allows the attacker to execute arbitrary code or inject malicious commands that propagate through the data hub's communication channels to connected PLCs and field devices.
Prerequisites
- Network access to the DataHub service ports (default ports 8088, 4502, or 6401)
- No authentication required for exploitation
Remotely exploitableNo authentication requiredInput validation weaknesses (CWE-20, CWE-755, CWE-763)No patch available from vendorHigh EPSS score (51.7%)Affects data integrity and supervisory control systems
Exploitability
High exploit probability (EPSS 51.7%)
Affected products (6)
6 pending
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Cogent DataHub: <=7.2.2≤ 7.2.2No fix yet
OPC DataHub: <=6.4.21≤ 6.4.21No fix yet
Cascade DataHub for Windows: <=6.4.21≤ 6.4.21No fix yet
DataSim and DataPid demonstration clients for Cogent DataHub: V7.2.2V7.2.2No fix yet
DataSim and DataPid demonstration clients for OPC DataHub and Cascade DataHub: V6.4.21V6.4.21No fix yet
DataHub QuickTrend: <=7.2.2≤ 7.2.2No fix yet
Remediation & Mitigation
0/5
Do now
0/2WORKAROUNDRestrict network access to DataHub service ports (8088, 4502, 6401) using firewall rules; allow only connections from authorized engineering workstations and SCADA systems on isolated network segments
HARDENINGDisable or isolate demonstration clients (DataSim, DataPid) in production environments if not actively in use
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption
HARDENINGMonitor DataHub service logs and network traffic for signs of malformed packets or unusual command injection attempts
Long-term hardening
0/2HARDENINGSegment the DataHub system onto a dedicated network isolated from the general corporate network and the internet
HOTFIXContact Cogent Real-Time Systems to inquire about patched versions or extended support; if no patch is forthcoming, plan migration to a maintained data integration platform
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