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Multiple NTP Vulnerabilities in TIM 4R-IE Devices

Act Now9.8SSA-497656Apr 13, 2021
Attack VectorNetwork
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary

TIM 4R-IE devices contain multiple vulnerabilities in the integrated NTP component, including input validation failures (CWE-20), authentication bypass (CWE-287, CWE-294), and memory corruption issues (CWE-476, CWE-821). These vulnerabilities allow unauthenticated remote attackers to compromise the device. Siemens has not released firmware patches for any affected product version and recommends network access protection and adherence to industrial security operational guidelines.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker could exploit multiple NTP vulnerabilities to gain remote code execution or bypass authentication on TIM 4R-IE network modules, potentially allowing remote control of industrial processes or information disclosure from the device.
Who's at risk
Water utilities and electric utilities using Siemens TIM 4R-IE network modules (including DNP3 variants) for communication and time synchronization across SCADA, RTU, and IED devices. This affects any facility relying on these modules for coordinated network operations, particularly those managing critical infrastructure like water treatment systems or power distribution.
How it could be exploited
An attacker on the network could send specially crafted NTP requests to the device's NTP service (port 123) without authentication. These requests could bypass input validation, authentication checks, or trigger memory corruption, allowing arbitrary code execution or authentication bypass on the module.
Prerequisites
  • Network access to port 123 (NTP) on the TIM 4R-IE device
  • Device must be running NTP service (typically enabled by default)
  • No credentials required
Remotely exploitableNo authentication requiredLow complexityHigh EPSS score (79.6%)No patch availableAll versions affected
Exploitability
High exploit probability (EPSS 79.6%)
Affected products (4)
4 EOL
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
SIPLUS NET TIM 4R-IEAll versionsNo fix (EOL)
TIM 4R-IE (6NH7800-4BA00)All versionsNo fix (EOL)
TIM 4R-IE DNP3All versionsNo fix (EOL)
SIPLUS NET TIM 4R-IE DNP3All versionsNo fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/4
Do now
0/2
WORKAROUNDRestrict network access to NTP port 123 on TIM 4R-IE devices using firewall rules; allow only trusted NTP servers or time synchronization sources to communicate with the device
WORKAROUNDIf NTP synchronization is not required, disable the NTP service on the TIM 4R-IE device
Mitigations - no patch available
0/2
The following products have reached End of Life with no planned fix: SIPLUS NET TIM 4R-IE, TIM 4R-IE (6NH7800-4BA00), TIM 4R-IE DNP3, SIPLUS NET TIM 4R-IE DNP3. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGImplement network segmentation to isolate TIM 4R-IE devices on a protected industrial network segment with restricted external access
HARDENINGReview and apply Siemens operational guidelines for Industrial Security to harden the overall environment
View full Siemens ProductCERT advisory
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Multiple NTP Vulnerabilities in TIM 4R-IE Devices | CVSS 9.8 - OTPulse