The Hidden Risk Threatening the Cold Chain: Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Control Systems
The Hidden Risk Threatening the Cold Chain: Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Control Systems
Until a few years ago, the notion that global cold chain infrastructure could be targeted by cyber attacks was perceived as science fiction. However, a recent analysis published in SupplyChainBrain demonstrates that this risk is now starkly tangible. Copeland LP partnered with cyber security firm Armis Labs to test the security of facility management and supervisory control systems used in cold chain operations, and the findings contain serious warnings for supply chain security.
Copeland requested that Armis prepare an official Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) report for E2 and E3 model controllers and submit it to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which is under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Armis's work culminated in the identification of a total of 10 critical security vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities were designated as "Frostbyte 10" by Armis.
Frostbyte 10: What Kind of Threat?
The identified security vulnerabilities could enable malicious actors to:
perform remote code execution,
remotely alter temperature settings,
spoil food and pharmaceuticals,
disable emergency systems such as lighting and HVAC,
penetrate broader networked environments
Armis Labs researcher Shaul Garbuz emphasizes that these risks are more than mere coding errors:
"These are not just coding oversights. They represent structural risks that can persist in OT environments for years."
Where Did the Problem Begin?
Armis's initial objective was not to "hack" a specific device. The team was examining which devices were active on networks connected to Copeland controllers and analyzing the network traffic behavior of these devices. The first alarm surfaced when a Copeland controller's web interface completely crashed following an incorrectly entered command, which prompted deeper analysis and led to the discovery of Frostbyte 10.
Critical Vulnerabilities in E2 and E3 Controllers
E2 Controller:
This older model, now in end-of-support status, uses a proprietary protocol. This protocol permits system access without authentication or encryption, meaning attackers can infiltrate the system without encountering any additional barriers.E3 Controller:
The nine security vulnerabilities identified in the newer E3 model are predominantly related to password and login mechanisms. According to Garbuz, some administrative passwords were highly predictable in structure. Although these mechanisms were intentionally incorporated by Copeland, they were not sufficiently hardened for security.
Potential Consequences for the Cold Chain
Control systems used in cold chain infrastructure operate at critical points such as warehouses, supermarkets, distribution centers, and pharmaceutical storage facilities. An attacker gaining access to these systems could:
spoil products undetected,
manipulate temperature records,
jump from one device to another within a facility,
potentially progress to other connected facilities.
This situation underscores the systemic risk created by the increasing integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems. As Garbuz puts it:
"As in any cyberattack, people forget that anything is a computer."
Armis's Recommendations
Armis Labs advises companies to take the following measures to mitigate such risks:
OT–IT network segregation: Isolating operational systems from conventional IT networks.
Comprehensive risk assessments: Conducting regular security evaluations for all connected devices.
Regular vulnerability scanning: Continuous monitoring at both hardware and software levels.
Immediate mitigation actions: Taking corrective measures without delay when vulnerabilities are identified.
While Armis acknowledges that the vulnerabilities in Copeland controllers are device-specific, it emphasizes that the broader message is more significant: every connected device creates a potential attack surface.
Strategic Assessment
This case clearly demonstrates that the cold chain must be protected not only from a physical standpoint but also in terms of cyber resilience. Food safety, pharmaceutical logistics, and perishable product distribution are now dependent not only on temperature sensors but also on cybersecurity governance.
Key Takeaways:
10 critical cyber vulnerabilities (Frostbyte 10) were identified in Copeland controllers.
The vulnerabilities can enable temperature manipulation and network propagation.
The E2 model permits access without authentication and encryption.
The E3 model contains weak password and login mechanisms.
Armis recommends segregating OT systems from IT networks and implementing continuous scanning.
The cold chain should now be regarded as critical infrastructure carrying cyber security risk.
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Author: SedatOnat.com
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