CVE-2021-31477
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on GE Reason RPV311 14A03 devices without authentication. The firmware contains hard-coded default credentials that can be leveraged to gain code execution as the download user. All installations using affected firmware versions are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- GE Reason RPV311 14A03
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the device allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially disrupting industrial operations, modifying device behavior, or using the device as an entry point into industrial control networks.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to the device leading to configuration changes, data exfiltration, or use as a pivot point within industrial networks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are behind firewalls with strict network segmentation and access controls, though the vulnerability remains present.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability requires no authentication and leverages known hard-coded credentials, making exploitation straightforward for attackers with network access.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Firmware update addressing CVE-2021-31477 (specific version not specified in references)
Vendor Advisory: https://www.gegridsolutions.com/products/support/GES-2021-005%20-%20RPV311%20Security%20Notice.pdf
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the firmware update from GE Grid Solutions support portal. 2. Follow GE's firmware update procedure for RPV311 devices. 3. Verify the update was successful and credentials are no longer hard-coded.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate RPV311 devices from untrusted networks using firewalls and network segmentation
Access Control Lists
allImplement strict network access controls to limit which systems can communicate with RPV311 devices
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Segment devices on isolated VLANs with strict firewall rules allowing only necessary industrial protocols
- Implement network monitoring and intrusion detection specifically for traffic to/from RPV311 devices
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version against GE's security advisory and attempt to authenticate using known hard-coded credentials if permitted by security policyCheck Version:
Check device firmware version through the RPV311 web interface or management consoleVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to the patched version and test that hard-coded credentials no longer work📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Failed authentication attempts followed by successful login
- Unusual login patterns or source IPs
- Configuration changes from unexpected sources
Network Indicators:
- Network traffic to RPV311 devices from unexpected sources
- Protocol anomalies in industrial communication
SIEM Query:
source_ip IN (RPV311_DEVICES) AND (event_type="authentication" AND result="success") AND user="download"🔗 References
- https://www.gegridsolutions.com/products/support/GES-2021-005%20-%20RPV311%20Security%20Notice.pdf
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-616/
- https://www.gegridsolutions.com/products/support/GES-2021-005%20-%20RPV311%20Security%20Notice.pdf
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-616/
