CVE-2024-48882 Overview
A denial of service vulnerability exists in the Modbus TCP functionality of Socomec DIRIS Digiware M-70 running firmware version 1.6.9. The vulnerability stems from missing authentication for a critical function (CWE-306), allowing an attacker to send specially crafted network packets to the affected device without any authentication requirements. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a complete denial of service condition, disrupting critical power monitoring and energy management operations.
This vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial control system (ICS) and operational technology (OT) environments where the DIRIS Digiware M-70 devices are commonly deployed for power monitoring. The unauthenticated nature of the attack vector significantly lowers the barrier for exploitation.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can disrupt power monitoring systems by sending malicious Modbus TCP packets, potentially affecting critical infrastructure operations.
Affected Products
- Socomec DIRIS M-70 Firmware version 1.6.9
- Socomec DIRIS M-70 Hardware
- Power monitoring systems utilizing Modbus TCP communication
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-12-01 - CVE-2024-48882 published to NVD
- 2025-12-05 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-48882
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the Modbus TCP functionality of the Socomec DIRIS Digiware M-70 power monitoring device. With a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.5 (HIGH) and vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to availability without impacting confidentiality or integrity.
Key CVSS characteristics:
- Attack Vector: Network - The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over TCP/IP
- Attack Complexity: Low - No special conditions or preparation required
- Privileges Required: None - Unauthenticated attack possible
- User Interaction: None - No victim interaction required
- Impact: High availability impact with no confidentiality or integrity impact
The EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) score stands at 0.053% (16.83rd percentile), indicating a relatively low probability of exploitation in the wild within the next 30 days. However, given the critical nature of ICS/SCADA environments, organizations should not delay patching based on this metric alone.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is CWE-306: Missing Authentication for Critical Function. The Modbus TCP implementation in the affected firmware version fails to properly authenticate incoming requests before processing them. This design flaw allows any network-accessible attacker to interact with the Modbus TCP service without providing valid credentials.
Modbus protocol, by design, lacks built-in authentication mechanisms, making it imperative for device manufacturers to implement additional security layers. In this case, the Socomec DIRIS M-70 device does not enforce such protections, leaving the Modbus TCP service exposed to unauthenticated access.
Attack Vector
The attack can be executed remotely over the network by any attacker who can reach the Modbus TCP port (typically TCP port 502) of the vulnerable device. The attacker sends specially crafted Modbus TCP packets that trigger a denial of service condition.
The attack sequence involves:
- Network reconnaissance to identify exposed DIRIS M-70 devices with Modbus TCP enabled
- Sending malformed or malicious Modbus TCP packets to the target device
- The device processes the packets without authentication, leading to service disruption
- Power monitoring and energy management functions become unavailable
Due to the unauthenticated nature of this vulnerability, no credentials or prior access is required. For technical details on the specific packet construction, refer to the Talos Intelligence vulnerability report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-48882
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual volume of Modbus TCP traffic (port 502) targeting DIRIS M-70 devices
- Device unavailability or unresponsiveness following network activity
- Unexpected restarts or service interruptions on power monitoring equipment
- Anomalous Modbus function codes or malformed packet structures in network logs
Detection Strategies
Organizations should implement network-based detection strategies to identify potential exploitation attempts:
Network Traffic Analysis:
- Monitor for abnormal Modbus TCP traffic patterns on port 502
- Detect rapid sequences of Modbus requests from unauthorized sources
- Identify malformed Modbus packets that deviate from protocol specifications
Device Monitoring:
- Track device availability and response times for DIRIS M-70 units
- Alert on unexpected device reboots or service interruptions
- Monitor system logs for error conditions related to Modbus processing
SentinelOne Singularity Platform provides comprehensive visibility into network traffic and can detect anomalous communication patterns targeting industrial control systems. The platform's behavioral AI can identify deviation from baseline Modbus TCP traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.
Monitoring Recommendations
Deploy network segmentation and monitoring solutions to isolate ICS/SCADA networks from corporate environments. Implement intrusion detection systems (IDS) with rules specifically designed to detect Modbus protocol anomalies. Consider deploying OT-specific security solutions that understand industrial protocols and can identify malicious Modbus traffic.
Enable logging on all network infrastructure devices between IT and OT networks to capture potential attack traffic for forensic analysis.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-48882
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Socomec DIRIS M-70 firmware to the latest patched version as recommended by the vendor
- Implement network segmentation to restrict Modbus TCP access to authorized systems only
- Deploy firewall rules to limit access to port 502 from trusted management networks
- Disable Modbus TCP functionality if not operationally required
- Monitor for exploitation attempts using IDS/IPS solutions
Patch Information
Socomec has released a security advisory addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should consult the following resources for official patch information:
Contact Socomec support or your authorized distributor to obtain the latest firmware version that addresses this vulnerability.
Workarounds
If immediate patching is not possible, implement the following compensating controls:
Network Access Control:
Restrict Modbus TCP access using firewall rules or access control lists. Only allow connections from authorized management systems.
# Example iptables rules to restrict Modbus TCP access
# Allow Modbus TCP (port 502) only from management network
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 502 -s 10.0.100.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 502 -j DROP
Network Segmentation:
Place DIRIS M-70 devices on an isolated OT network segment with strict access controls between IT and OT zones. Use industrial demilitarized zones (IDMZ) where possible.
VPN/Encrypted Tunnels:
If remote Modbus TCP access is required, route traffic through authenticated VPN tunnels rather than exposing the protocol directly.
Monitoring:
Implement enhanced monitoring for Modbus TCP traffic to detect potential exploitation attempts while awaiting patch deployment.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
