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Trane Thermostats

Monitor6.8ICS-CERT ICSA-23-234-02Aug 22, 2023
Attack VectorPhysical
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary

A vulnerability in Trane Technologies thermostats (XL824, XL850, XL1050, and Pivot models) allows arbitrary command execution as root through a specially crafted filename. The vulnerability requires physical access to the device and is not remotely exploitable. Trane has released patches that are automatically deployed to connected devices via internet connection.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker with physical access to a thermostat could execute arbitrary commands with root privileges, potentially allowing them to manipulate building climate control systems, disrupt HVAC operations, or use the device as a pivot point into your building automation network.
Who's at risk
Building facilities managers and HVAC system operators at water utilities, municipal electric utilities, and other critical infrastructure with Trane XL824, XL850, XL1050, or Pivot thermostats managing climate control for equipment rooms, control centers, or other operational facilities.
How it could be exploited
An attacker must have physical access to the thermostat and can exploit the vulnerability by supplying a specially crafted filename to execute arbitrary commands as root. This requires the attacker to be present at the device location or have the ability to insert malicious input through the device's interface.
Prerequisites
  • Physical access to the thermostat device
  • Ability to interact with the thermostat's user interface to supply a specially crafted filename
Physical access requiredRoot-level code execution possibleDefault credentials may be involvedAffects building automation systems
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.1%)
Affected products (4)
4 with fix
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Technologies XL824 Thermostat: <= 5.9.8≤ 5.9.8greater than 5.9.8
Technologies XL1050 Thermostat: <= 5.9.8≤ 5.9.8greater than 5.9.8
Technologies Pivot Thermostat: <= 1.8≤ 1.8greater than 1.8
Technologies XL850 Thermostat: <= 5.9.8≤ 5.9.8greater than 5.9.8
Remediation & Mitigation
0/3
Do now
0/1
HARDENINGRestrict physical access to thermostat devices in sensitive areas or building entry points
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/2

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HOTFIXEnsure all affected Trane thermostats are connected to the internet so they automatically download and install the firmware patch when available
HARDENINGMonitor and verify firmware versions on all affected thermostats by navigating to Menu > System Info > About to confirm patches have been applied
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