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HIWIN Robot System Software (HRSS)

Monitor7.5ICS-CERT ICSA-22-279-02Oct 6, 2022
Attack VectorNetwork
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary

A vulnerability in HIWIN Robot System Software (HRSS) versions 3.3.21.9869 and earlier allows a remote attacker to cause a denial-of-service condition. The vulnerability is rooted in insufficient input validation (CWE-284) and can be exploited by sending malformed network packets without requiring authentication. HIWIN has not provided a fix and has not engaged with CISA on mitigation, leaving affected deployments dependent on network defense measures to reduce risk.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker could remotely stop the HIWIN robot from responding to commands, halting manufacturing operations that depend on the robot until the system is restarted.
Who's at risk
Manufacturing facilities using HIWIN robots, including automotive, electronics, packaging, and general assembly operations. Any facility relying on HIWIN HRSS (version 3.3.21.9869 and earlier) for robot motion control and task automation should assess their exposure.
How it could be exploited
An attacker on the network sends specially crafted packets to the HRSS software without authentication. The malformed input causes the robot controller to become unresponsive, triggering a denial of service.
Prerequisites
  • Network reachability to HIWIN HRSS on the affected port
  • No authentication required
Remotely exploitableNo authentication requiredLow complexity attackNo patch availableAffects industrial robot control
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.2%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Robot System Software (HRSS) - HIWIN HRSS:3.3.21.9869No fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/5
Do now
0/3
HARDENINGImplement firewall rules to restrict network access to HRSS to only authorized engineering workstations and control systems. Block all external/untrusted network paths to the robot controller.
HARDENINGDeploy network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to HRSS and alert on suspicious packet patterns targeting the robot.
WORKAROUNDIf remote access to HRSS is required, use a VPN with current patches to protect the connection, and ensure the VPN device itself is kept up-to-date.
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HOTFIXContact HIWIN Technical Support to inquire about security updates, patches, or migration options for affected HRSS systems.
Mitigations - no patch available
0/1
Robot System Software (HRSS) - HIWIN HRSS: has reached End of Life. The vendor will not release a patch. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGSegment the robot network from general IT networks and the internet using air-gapping or VLAN isolation where feasible.
View full CISA ICS-CERT advisory
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