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CG Automation Improper Input Validation

Low RiskICS-CERT ICSA-14-238-01May 29, 2014
Summary

The CG Automation ePAQ-9410 Substation Gateway contains an improper input validation vulnerability (CWE-20). The device does not adequately validate incoming data, which could allow an attacker with network access to send malformed input that bypasses security controls or causes the gateway to malfunction. All versions of the ePAQ-9410 are affected, and the vendor has not released a patch.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker could send malformed input to the ePAQ-9410 gateway, potentially bypassing security controls or causing the device to malfunction, which could disrupt communication between the substation and control center.
Who's at risk
Energy utilities, particularly substation operators and control center personnel, who depend on ePAQ-9410 Substation Gateway devices for SCADA communication and automation. This affects critical substation-to-control-center data exchange.
How it could be exploited
An attacker with network access to the ePAQ-9410 gateway sends specially crafted input that is not properly validated by the device. The gateway processes the malformed data without adequate checks, allowing the attacker to bypass intended security logic or trigger unexpected behavior in the substation automation system.
Prerequisites
  • Network access to the ePAQ-9410 gateway
  • Ability to send data to the device's input interface
No patch availableAffects substation automation systemsImproper input validation can enable multiple attack types
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.5%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
ePAQ-9410 Substation Gateway: vers:all/*All versionsNo fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/4
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HOTFIXEvaluate whether the ePAQ-9410 can be replaced with a newer substation gateway model that has vendor support and regular security updates
Mitigations - no patch available
0/3
ePAQ-9410 Substation Gateway: vers:all/* has reached End of Life. The vendor will not release a patch. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGImplement network segmentation to restrict access to the ePAQ-9410 gateway—only allow communication from authorized substations, control centers, and engineering workstations
HARDENINGDeploy firewall rules to limit inbound connections to the ePAQ-9410 to necessary ports and protocols only
HARDENINGMonitor all communications to and from the ePAQ-9410 for signs of malformed input or unusual traffic patterns
View full CISA ICS-CERT advisory
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