GE Proficy DNP3 Improper Input Validation
Low RiskICS-CERT ICSA-13-297-02Jul 27, 2013
Summary
GE Proficy HMI/SCADA systems that include the DNP3 I/O Driver do not properly validate input in DNP3 protocol messages. A malformed DNP3 packet can trigger an unhandled exception or buffer issue, causing the Proficy application to crash. The vulnerable component is the DNP3 I/O Driver version 7.20j_Catapult_v7.2.0.56 and earlier. The vulnerability affects all versions of Proficy iFIX and CIMPLICITY servers when the DNP3 I/O Driver is installed, including those deployed as part of Proficy Process Systems.
What this means
What could happen
An attacker sending malformed DNP3 network packets to a Proficy HMI/SCADA server could cause the application to crash, disrupting monitoring and control of power generation or manufacturing processes.
Who's at risk
Energy utilities and manufacturing plants running GE Proficy HMI/SCADA systems with DNP3 I/O Driver capability should be concerned. This includes any site using Proficy iFIX, Proficy CIMPLICITY, or Proficy Process Systems for real-time monitoring and control of generators, substations, water systems, or industrial machinery.
How it could be exploited
An attacker on the network (or connected to it) sends specially crafted DNP3 protocol packets to port 20000 or the DNP3 I/O Driver port. The improper input validation fails to reject the malformed packet, causing a denial-of-service crash in the Proficy application. This stops SCADA operator visibility and control until the system is manually restarted.
Prerequisites
- Network access to Proficy HMI/SCADA server on DNP3 port (typically 20000 or configured alternate port)
- Proficy iFIX or CIMPLICITY with DNP3 I/O Driver installed and actively running
- No authentication required to send DNP3 packets
remotely exploitableno authentication requiredlow complexityno patch availabledenial-of-service impact
Exploitability
Moderate exploit probability (EPSS 1.3%)
Affected products (2)
1 pending1 EOL
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Proficy human-machine interface/supervisory control and data acquisition (HMI/SCADA) DNP3 I/O Driver (“DNP”): <=7.20j_Catapult_v7.2.0.56≤ 7.20j Catapult v7.2.0.56No fix yet
Proficy HMI/SCADA—iFIX or CIMPLICITY servers with the vulnerable I/O Driver installed (this includes iFIX or CIMPLICITY installations that are part of Proficy Process Systems): vers:all/*All versionsNo fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/4
Do now
0/2WORKAROUNDDisable DNP3 protocol if not in use, or use access control lists (ACLs) on network switches to restrict DNP3 traffic to known, trusted sources.
WORKAROUNDMonitor Proficy application and system logs for unexpected application crashes or DNP3 protocol errors; set up alerting to detect potential exploitation attempts.
Mitigations - no patch available
0/2Proficy HMI/SCADA—iFIX or CIMPLICITY servers with the vulnerable I/O Driver installed (this includes iFIX or CIMPLICITY installations that are part of Proficy Process Systems): vers:all/* has reached End of Life. The vendor will not release a patch. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGNetwork segmentation: Restrict access to Proficy HMI/SCADA servers to only authorized engineering workstations and control network devices. Use a firewall or industrial demilitarized zone (DMZ) to block unsolicited DNP3 traffic from untrusted networks.
HARDENINGContact GE Vernova for technical guidance or long-term support options. Evaluate replacement or upgrade paths for Proficy systems if GE Vernova cannot provide a patch timeline.
CVEs (2)
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