GOOSE Payload Parser Boundary Handling Flaw Leads to DoS

Executive Summary

This is a denial-of-service vulnerability in a GOOSE payload parser. An attacker sends a single unauthenticated Layer 2 multicast frame with a maliciously crafted payload. The parser miscalculates field lengths, causing it to read one extra byte beyond the intended data. This triggers a crash in the subscriber process, stopping it from functioning.

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Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is triggered by a single unauthenticated Layer 2 multicast frame on the process bus. Detection requires monitoring network traffic for malformed GOOSE payloads or unexpected multicast frames. Use network sniffing tools like Wireshark to capture and analyze GOOSE protocol traffic for anomalies in payload lengths or structure.

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Impact Analysis

If you use systems relying on GOOSE payload parsing, an attacker could disrupt operations by sending a single malicious network packet. This could cause critical processes to crash, leading to loss of functionality in industrial control or network systems.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability causes a denial-of-service condition by terminating the subscriber process, which could disrupt critical operations. For GDPR, this may impact availability of personal data processing systems, potentially violating Article 32 requirements for resilience. For HIPAA, it could disrupt healthcare operations handling protected health information, affecting the Security Rule's integrity and availability requirements.

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediately isolate affected systems from the process bus, apply vendor patches if available, and implement network segmentation to limit exposure. Monitor subscriber processes for crashes and review GOOSE payload parsing configurations to ensure proper boundary checks.

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