CVE-2021-23281
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on Eaton Intelligent Power Manager (IPM) systems by sending specially crafted packets that exploit improper input sanitization. It affects IPM versions prior to 1.69, potentially compromising power management infrastructure. Attackers can force IPM to connect to malicious SNMP servers and execute their code.
💻 Affected Systems
- Eaton Intelligent Power Manager (IPM)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially gaining full control over the IPM system, disrupting power management operations, and using the system as a foothold for lateral movement.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to system compromise, data theft, or disruption of power management monitoring and control functions.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if systems are isolated, patched, or have network controls preventing exploitation attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability requires no authentication and has a CVSS score of 10.0, indicating high exploitability.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.69 or later
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download IPM version 1.69 or later from Eaton's official website. 2. Backup current configuration and data. 3. Run the installer to upgrade to the patched version. 4. Restart the IPM service or system as required.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allRestrict network access to IPM systems to only trusted management networks.
Firewall Rules
allBlock external access to IPM ports and restrict SNMP traffic to trusted sources only.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems from internet and untrusted networks
- Implement strict network access controls and monitor for exploitation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IPM version in the application interface or installation directory. Versions below 1.69 are vulnerable.Check Version:
Check Help > About in IPM interface or examine installation propertiesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify IPM version is 1.69 or higher after patching and test functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SNMP connection attempts
- Unexpected process execution
- CoverterCheckList action anomalies
Network Indicators:
- Malformed packets to IPM ports
- Unexpected outbound SNMP connections
- Traffic to suspicious IP addresses
SIEM Query:
source="IPM" AND (event="coverterCheckList" OR protocol="SNMP" AND dest_ip NOT IN [trusted_ips])🔗 References
- https://www.eaton.com/content/dam/eaton/company/news-insights/cybersecurity/security-bulletins/eaton-intelligent-power-manager-ipm-vulnerability-advisory.pdf
- https://www.eaton.com/content/dam/eaton/company/news-insights/cybersecurity/security-bulletins/eaton-intelligent-power-manager-ipm-vulnerability-advisory.pdf
