CVE-2018-7821 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

SoMachine Basic and Modicon M221 Vulnerability

Understanding CVE-2018-7821

What is CVE-2018-7821?

SoMachine Basic and Modicon M221, in all versions prior to firmware V1.10.0.0, have a vulnerability (CWE-2) that can impact cycle time when the M221 ethernet interface is flooded with the Ethernet/IP adapter active.

The Impact of CVE-2018-7821

This vulnerability can potentially disrupt cycle time in affected systems, leading to operational issues and downtime.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-7821

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in SoMachine Basic and Modicon M221 allows for cycle time disruption when the M221 ethernet interface is flooded with an active Ethernet/IP adapter.

Affected Systems and Versions

SoMachine Basic and Modicon M221, all versions
Modicon M221, all references
Versions prior to firmware V1.10.0.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by flooding the M221 ethernet interface while the Ethernet/IP adapter is active.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected systems to firmware V1.10.0.0 or later
Monitor network traffic for unusual patterns
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and software to patch vulnerabilities
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by the vendor to address the vulnerability.