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Vulnerabilities in Boot Loader (U-Boot) of RUGGEDCOM ROS Devices

Monitor7.8SSA-618620Dec 10, 2019
Attack VectorLocal
Auth RequiredLow
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary

Two vulnerabilities exist in the U-Boot bootloader used across the RUGGEDCOM ROS device line. The more critical vulnerability allows arbitrary code execution during the OS kernel loading process if an attacker gains local console access. The vulnerabilities are rooted in buffer overflow (CWE-119) and improper function call (CWE-674) conditions in the bootloader. No firmware updates are available to remediate these issues. Mitigation relies on physical security controls and network access restrictions.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker with physical or local console access to a RUGGEDCOM router could execute arbitrary code at boot time due to vulnerabilities in the U-Boot bootloader, potentially compromising the entire device and its network traffic.
Who's at risk
Water authorities and electric utilities using Siemens RUGGEDCOM industrial routers (RMC8388, RSG2488, RSG920P, RST2228 series, and related models) for critical network connectivity. These devices are typically deployed at substations, pump stations, and SCADA network gateways where they provide industrial-hardened Ethernet switching and routing.
How it could be exploited
An attacker with local access to the device's console port or physical access to interrupt the boot process could exploit buffer overflow or improper function call vulnerabilities in the U-Boot bootloader to inject and execute arbitrary code before the operating system kernel fully loads.
Prerequisites
  • Local physical access to device or access to device console port
  • Ability to interrupt the boot sequence
  • Knowledge of U-Boot command environment
No patch availableLocal access required but affects critical network infrastructure devicesBoot-level vulnerability difficult to detect or mitigate in operationAffects entire product line with no upgrade path
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.1%)
Affected products (32)
32 EOL
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
RUGGEDCOM RMC8388NC V4.XAll versions with U-Boot < V2016.05RS09No fix (EOL)
RUGGEDCOM RSG2488 V4.XAll versions with U-Boot ≥ V2016.05RS09No fix (EOL)
RUGGEDCOM RSG2488NC V4.XAll versions with U-Boot < V2016.05RS09No fix (EOL)
RUGGEDCOM RSG2488NC V4.XAll versions with U-Boot ≥ V2016.05RS09No fix (EOL)
RUGGEDCOM RMC8388 V4.XAll versions with U-Boot < V2016.05RS09No fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/4
Do now
0/2
HARDENINGRestrict physical access to device console ports and prevent unauthorized boot interruption through physical security measures
HARDENINGImplement network access controls to limit connections to RUGGEDCOM devices to authorized management networks only
Mitigations - no patch available
0/2
The following products have reached End of Life with no planned fix: RUGGEDCOM RMC8388NC V4.X, RUGGEDCOM RSG2488 V4.X, RUGGEDCOM RSG2488NC V4.X, RUGGEDCOM RSG2488NC V4.X, RUGGEDCOM RMC8388 V4.X, RUGGEDCOM RMC8388 V5.X, RUGGEDCOM RMC8388NC V5.X, RUGGEDCOM RSG2488 V4.X, RUGGEDCOM RSG2488 V5.X, RUGGEDCOM RSG2488 V5.X, RUGGEDCOM RSG2488NC V5.X, RUGGEDCOM RSG2488NC V5.X, RUGGEDCOM RSG907R, RUGGEDCOM RSG908C, RUGGEDCOM RSG909R, RUGGEDCOM RSG910C, RUGGEDCOM RSG920P V4.X, RUGGEDCOM RSG920P V5.X, RUGGEDCOM RSG920P V5.X, RUGGEDCOM RSG920PNC V4.X, RUGGEDCOM RSG920PNC V4.X, RUGGEDCOM RSG920PNC V5.X, RUGGEDCOM RSL910, RUGGEDCOM RSL910NC, RUGGEDCOM RST2228, RUGGEDCOM RST2228, RUGGEDCOM RST916C, RUGGEDCOM RST916P, RUGGEDCOM RSG920P V4.X, RUGGEDCOM RSG920PNC V5.X, RUGGEDCOM RST2228P, RUGGEDCOM RST2228P. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGMonitor boot logs and system access for signs of unauthorized console activity or tampering attempts
HARDENINGFollow Siemens operational guidelines for Industrial Security to harden device configuration and network environment
View full Siemens ProductCERT advisory
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