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IOServer DNP3 Improper Input Validation

Low RiskICS-CERT ICSA-13-161-01Mar 13, 2013
Summary

IOServer DNP3 drivers (v1.0.19.0) contain improper input validation in the DNP3 protocol handler (CWE-20). The service does not properly validate incoming DNP3 packets, allowing an attacker to send malformed messages that could cause the service to crash or behave unexpectedly, disrupting DNP3 communications with remote field devices.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker with network access to IOServer's DNP3 interface could send malformed data packets that crash the service or cause unexpected behavior, disrupting communication with DNP3 devices on your network.
Who's at risk
Water authorities and utilities using IOServer with DNP3 protocol drivers for SCADA communication with field devices (RTUs, master stations, remote monitors). This affects systems using DNP3 as the primary control protocol for water distribution, wastewater, or electric grid operations.
How it could be exploited
An attacker on the network sends specially crafted DNP3 protocol packets to IOServer that contain invalid input. The lack of proper input validation allows these malformed packets to bypass checks and trigger a crash or unexpected state in the service, affecting any SCADA systems relying on DNP3 communication.
Prerequisites
  • Network access to IOServer DNP3 port
  • IOServer running a vulnerable version (v1.0.19.0 or earlier)
remotely exploitableno patch availableaffects control protocol communication
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.5%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
IOServer Supported drivers: v1.0.19.0v1.0.19.0No fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/4
Do now
0/1
HARDENINGImplement firewall rules to restrict network access to IOServer DNP3 ports to only authorized engineering and control network segments
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/2

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HARDENINGMonitor IOServer service status and logs for abnormal DNP3 traffic or service crashes; establish alerting for service restarts
HOTFIXCheck vendor (Kepware/Softing) website for any available security updates or patches beyond v1.0.19.0
Mitigations - no patch available
0/1
IOServer Supported drivers: v1.0.19.0 has reached End of Life. The vendor will not release a patch. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGSegment IOServer systems onto a dedicated network or VLAN separate from untrusted networks and the Internet
View full CISA ICS-CERT advisory
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