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Elecsys Director Gateway Improper Input Validation Vulnerability

Low RiskICS-CERT ICSA-13-337-01Sep 5, 2013
Summary

Elecsys Director DNP3 Outstation contains an improper input validation vulnerability in the gateway kernel. The outstation fails to properly validate incoming DNP3 protocol packets, which could allow an attacker to send malformed packets that trigger unexpected behavior or disrupt normal operation of the gateway.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker with network access to the DNP3 port could send specially crafted packets that bypass input validation, potentially allowing them to disrupt communications, crash the gateway, or gain unauthorized control over the outstation logic.
Who's at risk
Operators of water distribution systems, electric substations, and other utilities using Elecsys Director DNP3 Outstation for remote telemetry and control. This affects anyone relying on DNP3 gateways for RTU communication in SCADA networks.
How it could be exploited
An attacker on the network sends malformed DNP3 protocol packets to the Elecsys Director gateway. Because the gateway does not properly validate input, these packets are processed without sanitization, allowing the attacker to trigger unexpected behavior or code execution on the outstation kernel.
Prerequisites
  • Network access to the DNP3 port on the Elecsys Director gateway (typically port 20000 or configured DNP3 port)
  • Gateway must be reachable from the attacker's network segment
remotely exploitableno authentication requiredno patch availableaffects critical infrastructure communication
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.5%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Elecsys Director DNP3 Outstation, kernel: <=2.6.32.11ael1≤ 2.6.32.11ael1No fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/3
Do now
0/1
WORKAROUNDImplement network segmentation or firewall rules to restrict DNP3 traffic to only authorized master stations and deny untrusted sources from reaching the Elecsys Director gateway
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HARDENINGMonitor DNP3 traffic for malformed or unexpected packets using SCADA/ICS-aware packet inspection or IDS rules
Mitigations - no patch available
0/1
Elecsys Director DNP3 Outstation, kernel: <=2.6.32.11ael1 has reached End of Life. The vendor will not release a patch. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGEvaluate long-term replacement or upgrade of Elecsys Director DNP3 Outstation to a supported product version with input validation fixes
View full CISA ICS-CERT advisory
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Elecsys Director Gateway Improper Input Validation Vulnerability - OTPulse