CVE-2025-27256

Vulnerability Remediation/Mitigation Strategy: CVE-2025-27256 - GE Vernova Enervista UR Setup Authentication Bypass

This document outlines the remediation and mitigation strategy for CVE-2025-27256, a critical vulnerability affecting the GE Vernova Enervista UR Setup application.

1. Vulnerability Description

  • Vulnerability: Missing Authentication for Critical Function
  • Affected Product: GE Vernova Enervista UR Setup application
  • CVE ID: CVE-2025-27256
  • Description: The GE Vernova Enervista UR Setup application lacks proper authentication for its SSH server. This omission allows an attacker to bypass authentication controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to the system or sensitive information.
  • Root Cause: The SSH server implemented in the Enervista UR Setup application does not require authentication from connecting clients.

2. Severity Assessment

  • CVSS Score: 8.3 (High)
  • CVSS Vector: Derived from the provided data: AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N (Calculated based on base scores 2.8, 5.5 with impact subscores and exploitability metrics adjusted accordingly). This assumes network attack vector, high attack complexity (due to man-in-the-middle requirements), no privileges required, user interaction required (to connect to the malicious SSH server), a changed security scope, high confidentiality and integrity impact, and no availability impact (as described in the provided data). This is an interpretation based on limited data. A proper CVSS v3.x or v4.x calculation would require more specific environmental and temporal metric data.
  • Severity Level: Critical
  • Justification: The absence of authentication on the SSH server enables attackers to potentially execute man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. A successful MITM attack allows the attacker to intercept and modify communications, potentially leading to:
    • Unauthorized access to configuration settings.
    • Manipulation of device behavior.
    • Disclosure of sensitive information.
    • Compromise of the entire system.

3. Known Exploits

  • Exploitability: While no specific public exploits are mentioned in the provided data, the nature of the vulnerability (missing authentication) makes it highly exploitable with readily available tools and techniques for MITM attacks.
  • Attack Vector: Network-based. An attacker needs to be positioned on the network to intercept the communication between the Enervista UR Setup application and the target device.
  • Real-world scenarios: An attacker positioned on the same network as the GE Vernova Enervista UR Setup application could intercept the SSH connection and potentially gain full control of the device being configured. This could be an insider threat or an attacker who has gained initial access to the network.

4. Remediation Strategy

The primary goal of the remediation strategy is to eliminate the vulnerability by implementing proper authentication for the SSH server.

  • Priority: Critical

  • Timeline: Immediate (within the next week)

  • Steps:

    1. Apply Patch/Upgrade: Immediately install the official patch or upgrade to the latest version of GE Vernova Enervista UR Setup application provided by GE Vernova. This patch should implement secure authentication for the SSH server. This is the preferred solution.
    2. Contact GE Vernova Support: If a patch is not immediately available, contact GE Vernova support to request an emergency patch or a supported workaround.
    3. Verify Patch/Upgrade: After applying the patch or upgrade, thoroughly test the Enervista UR Setup application to ensure the vulnerability is resolved and that the application functions as expected. Verify that SSH connections now require authentication.
    4. Change Default Credentials: Ensure that any default credentials for user accounts related to the configuration and management of the Enervista UR Setup application are changed to strong, unique passwords.
    5. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Where possible, implement MFA for all user accounts that access the Enervista UR Setup application. This adds an additional layer of security, even if the primary authentication is compromised.

5. Mitigation Strategy

If a patch is not immediately available or cannot be applied, the following mitigation measures should be implemented to reduce the risk associated with this vulnerability:

  • Network Segmentation: Isolate the network segment where the Enervista UR Setup application and target devices reside. This limits the potential scope of an attack.
  • Network Monitoring and Intrusion Detection: Implement network monitoring and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to detect and alert on suspicious network traffic, especially traffic related to the SSH protocol (port 22). Specifically, look for SSH connections without authentication.
  • Restrict Network Access: Implement firewall rules to restrict access to the Enervista UR Setup application’s SSH server to only authorized IP addresses or networks. Utilize a “least privilege” approach.
  • VPN Connection: Require all users connecting to the Enervista UR Setup application to do so via a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection. This encrypts the network traffic and adds an extra layer of security.
  • Disable SSH (If Possible): If the SSH functionality is not essential, disable it entirely until a patch is available. Carefully consider the impact of disabling SSH on the functionality of the application.
  • Educate Users: Train users to be aware of the risks associated with connecting to untrusted networks and to report any suspicious activity. Emphasize the importance of only connecting to trusted and verified SSH servers.

6. Monitoring and Verification

  • Regular Vulnerability Scans: Perform regular vulnerability scans of the Enervista UR Setup application and the network infrastructure to identify any new vulnerabilities.
  • Security Audits: Conduct periodic security audits to review the effectiveness of the remediation and mitigation measures.
  • Log Monitoring: Continuously monitor system and application logs for any signs of suspicious activity.

7. Communication

  • Stakeholder Communication: Keep all relevant stakeholders (e.g., IT staff, security team, management) informed about the vulnerability, remediation/mitigation efforts, and any potential risks.
  • Vendor Communication: Maintain open communication with GE Vernova support to receive updates on the availability of patches and any new information related to the vulnerability.

This remediation/mitigation strategy is a living document and should be reviewed and updated as new information becomes available.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-03-10 09:15:11
  • Updated Date: 2025-03-10 09:15:11

More Details

CVE-2025-27256