CVE-2021-27430
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in GE UR bootloader versions 7.00-7.02 contains hardcoded credentials that could allow unauthorized access. Attackers with physical access can also interrupt the boot sequence by rebooting the device. This affects industrial control systems using these specific UR IED versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- GE UR IED (Intelligent Electronic Device)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of industrial control system allowing unauthorized control of critical infrastructure, potential physical damage, or safety system manipulation.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to device configuration, potential disruption of industrial processes, or data exfiltration from affected systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if physical access controls are strong and network segmentation isolates affected devices.
🎯 Exploit Status
Hardcoded credentials provide straightforward authentication bypass; physical access requirement adds complexity but not technical difficulty.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 7.03 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.gegridsolutions.com/Passport/Login.aspx
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Contact GE Grid Solutions for firmware update 2. Download UR firmware version 7.03+ 3. Apply update following GE's documented procedures 4. Verify successful update and restart device
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Physical Access Controls
allRestrict physical access to UR IED devices to prevent boot sequence interruption
Network Segmentation
allIsolate affected devices in separate network segments with strict access controls
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict physical security controls around affected devices
- Segment network to isolate UR IEDs and monitor for unauthorized access attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check bootloader version via device interface or consult GE documentation; versions 7.00, 7.01, 7.02 are vulnerableCheck Version:
Device-specific; typically through UR IED interface or GE management softwareVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is 7.03 or later through device interface or management tools📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful login
- Unauthorized configuration changes
- Unexpected device reboots
Network Indicators:
- Unauthorized access to UR IED management ports
- Traffic from unexpected sources to industrial control devices
SIEM Query:
source="UR_IED" AND (event_type="authentication" AND result="success" FROM new_ip) OR event_type="reboot"