ABB TropOS (Update A)
Low RiskICS-CERT ICSA-17-318-02ANov 14, 2017
Summary
ABB TropOS Mesh OS release 8.5.2 and prior contain weak encryption (CWE-326) in communications between mesh network nodes and management systems. The insufficient key strength or cryptographic algorithm selection could allow an attacker with network access to intercept and decrypt sensitive data transmitted across the mesh network.
What this means
What could happen
ABB TropOS uses insufficiently strong encryption for sensitive communications, allowing an attacker with network access to potentially intercept and decrypt data exchanged with affected systems.
Who's at risk
Organizations operating ABB TropOS mesh networks, particularly those in critical infrastructure (electric utilities, water systems) that rely on wireless mesh networks for remote device monitoring and control should assess their exposure. Any deployment using TropOS 8.5.2 or earlier for wireless communication between field devices, repeaters, or management systems is affected.
How it could be exploited
An attacker positioned on the network segment where TropOS devices communicate could intercept encrypted traffic between mesh nodes or between the mesh network and management systems. By analyzing weak cryptographic implementation (CWE-326), the attacker could decrypt the intercepted communications to access sensitive operational data or credentials.
Prerequisites
- Network access to ABB TropOS mesh network communication paths
- Ability to capture network traffic between TropOS devices or between TropOS and management systems
Weak cryptography (CWE-326)No patch availableAffects wireless mesh communications
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.4%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
TropOS Mesh OS: release 8.5.2 or prior≤ 8.5.2No fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/3
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/2Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption
HARDENINGDeploy intrusion detection or traffic analysis on network segments carrying TropOS communications to detect unusual patterns or attempted decryption attacks
WORKAROUNDConduct a cryptographic security review of your TropOS deployment with ABB technical support to identify alternative encryption implementations or compensating controls
Mitigations - no patch available
0/1TropOS Mesh OS: release 8.5.2 or prior has reached End of Life. The vendor will not release a patch. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGImplement network segmentation to isolate TropOS mesh networks from untrusted networks and limit access to authorized personnel only
CVEs (1)
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