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GE UR family

Act Now9.8ICS-CERT ICSA-21-075-02Mar 16, 2021
Attack VectorNetwork
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary

GE UR family devices contain multiple critical vulnerabilities affecting firmware versions below 8.1x: unvalidated firmware upload capability allowing attackers to install malicious code, weak SSH implementation in versions 7.4x–8.0x, inadequate Factory Mode protections, web server vulnerabilities, exposure of system register data including keystroke history, and bootloader flaws in versions below 7.03/7.04. Successful exploitation could allow unauthorized access to sensitive information, device reboot/denial-of-service, or privileged command execution that could alter protective relay settings or disable protective functions.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker with network access to a GE UR device could read sensitive data, restart the device causing operational disruption, gain administrative control, or execute commands that alter protective relay settings or trip the system.
Who's at risk
GE UR family protective relays and Intelligent Electronic Devices (IED) used in electric utility substations and generating facilities. Affects all firmware versions below 8.1x, with additional SSH vulnerabilities in versions 7.4x through 8.0x. Critical for any organization operating GE UR devices in SCADA or protective relay systems.
How it could be exploited
An attacker on the same network segment as a vulnerable UR device could upload malicious firmware by bypassing firmware validation checks, gain SSH access due to weak SSH implementation, or access internal system registers through the web server. No authentication is required for these attacks.
Prerequisites
  • Network access to the UR device (same subnet or routable path)
  • Device running firmware version below 8.1x for most vulnerabilities
  • Device with firmware 7.4x to 8.0x for SSH-related issues
  • No valid credentials required
Remotely exploitableNo authentication requiredLow complexity attackHigh EPSS score (41%)No patch available for older hardware/bootloader variantsAffects critical protective relay systems
Exploitability
High exploit probability (EPSS 41.0%)
Affected products (6)
6 pending
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Protection from unintended firmware upload: all< 8.1xNo fix yet
Vulnerabilities related to SSH Support: firmware≥ 7.4x | ≤ 8.0xNo fix yet
Provisions to disable Factory Mode: all< 8.1xNo fix yet
Web server vulnerabilities: all< 8.1xNo fix yet
Access to Last-key pressed register: all< 8.1xNo fix yet
Weakness in UR bootloader binary: all bootloader< 7.03 /7.04No fix yet
Remediation & Mitigation
0/6
Do now
0/2
HARDENINGImplement network segmentation so UR devices are not directly reachable from the Internet or untrusted networks
WORKAROUNDIf remote access is required, use a VPN with current security patches
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HOTFIXUpgrade UR firmware to version 8.10 or later
Long-term hardening
0/3
HARDENINGPlace UR IED devices behind a firewall and inside the control network security perimeter, isolated from business network
HARDENINGDeploy an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to monitor UR device traffic for suspicious activity
HARDENINGReview UR Deployment guide for secure configuration best practices
View full CISA ICS-CERT advisory
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