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Hitachi ABB Power Grids TropOS

Plan Patch7.5ICS-CERT ICSA-21-236-01Aug 24, 2021
Attack VectorNetwork
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary

Hitachi ABB Power Grids TropOS firmware versions 8.9.4.8 and earlier contain multiple vulnerabilities (CWE-74, CWE-326, CWE-306, CWE-287, CWE-354, CWE-20) in Wi-Fi access point functionality. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to redirect connected clients to fake websites and extract sensitive data through man-in-the-middle style attacks on Wi-Fi traffic. These vulnerabilities are related to the FragAttacks Wi-Fi vulnerability family and require the attacker to be within Wi-Fi range of the access point.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker within Wi-Fi range could redirect connected laptops or mobile devices to fake websites and intercept sensitive information like credentials. This could compromise engineering workstations and lead to unauthorized access to grid control systems or data theft.
Who's at risk
Utility operators managing TropOS wireless access points in substations or control centers should be concerned. This affects any facility using TropOS to provide Wi-Fi access for engineering laptops, configuration devices, or maintenance personnel. Power utilities, particularly those using Hitachi ABB Power Grids equipment, are the primary concern.
How it could be exploited
An attacker within Wi-Fi range of a TropOS access point can intercept and manipulate Wi-Fi traffic to redirect connected clients to fraudulent websites or perform man-in-the-middle attacks. The attacker does not need valid credentials but must be physically close enough to reach the Wi-Fi signal. This is most dangerous if engineering workstations or control system laptops connect to the TropOS Wi-Fi.
Prerequisites
  • Physical proximity to the TropOS Wi-Fi access point (Wi-Fi range)
  • Target client device must be connected or attempting to connect to the TropOS local SSID
  • Wi-Fi access point must be enabled with local SSID broadcast active
No authentication required for exploitationLow complexity attack (man-in-the-middle on Wi-Fi)No patch availableAffects sensitive data confidentialityCould compromise engineering workstations with access to control systems
Exploitability
Moderate exploit probability (EPSS 4.3%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
TropOS: Firmware≤ 8.9.4.88.9.4.9 or later
Remediation & Mitigation
0/6
Do now
0/2
WORKAROUNDDisable Wi-Fi local access SSID on TropOS units where Wi-Fi connectivity is not required
HARDENINGEnable Wi-Fi whitelist capability to restrict access to approved personnel MAC addresses only
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HOTFIXUpdate TropOS firmware to version 8.9.4.9 or later
Long-term hardening
0/3
HARDENINGRestrict physical access to TropOS equipment and surrounding area to authorized staff only
HARDENINGInstall and maintain firewall capabilities on all end-user laptops and servers connecting to TropOS Wi-Fi
HARDENINGIsolate TropOS and all control system networks from the business network using network segmentation
View full CISA ICS-CERT advisory
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