CVE-2021-27454
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2021-27454 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in Reason DR60 industrial routers where the software runs with higher privileges than necessary. This allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated permissions. All organizations using Reason DR60 routers with firmware versions prior to 02A04.1 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Reason DR60 Industrial Router
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the industrial router allowing attackers to intercept/modify industrial control system traffic, disrupt operations, or pivot to other industrial network segments.
Likely Case
Attackers gain elevated access to router configuration, enabling network traffic interception, denial of service, or persistence in industrial networks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if router is properly segmented and monitored, though privilege escalation still provides foothold for further attacks.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires some level of access to the router, but privilege escalation from lower privileges to higher privileges is possible.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Firmware version 02A04.1
Vendor Advisory: https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/advisories/icsa-21-082-03
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download firmware version 02A04.1 from Reason official sources. 2. Backup current router configuration. 3. Upload and install new firmware via web interface or console. 4. Restart router. 5. Verify firmware version shows 02A04.1 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate DR60 routers in dedicated network segments with strict firewall rules limiting access.
Access Control Restrictions
allImplement strict authentication and limit administrative access to trusted IP addresses only.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network monitoring and intrusion detection specifically for DR60 router traffic patterns
- Disable all unnecessary services and interfaces on the router, especially internet-facing management interfaces
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version via web interface (System > Status) or console command 'show version'. If version is below 02A04.1, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
show version (console) or check System > Status in web interfaceVerify Fix Applied:
After patching, verify firmware version shows 02A04.1 or higher in System Status page.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privilege escalation attempts
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful administrative access
- Configuration changes from non-admin accounts
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from router
- Unusual traffic patterns to/from router management interfaces
- Protocol anomalies in industrial communications
SIEM Query:
source="DR60" AND (event_type="privilege_escalation" OR user="*" AND action="admin_access")