Deep Dive into Gas Station ATG Weaknesses

In today's digital age, even the most mundane objects can harbour hidden dangers. At ARUME, we keep a watchful eye on critical infrastructure, and one area of concern is the vulnerability of Automatic Tank Gauges (ATGs) at gas stations. While constantly monitoring fuel levels, Automatic Tank Gauges can become targets for cyberattacks with potentially devastating consequences.

A Hacker's Playground: Exploring ATG Weaknesses

Just like a poorly secured fence or gate, ATGs can have security weaknesses that hackers can exploit:

The Password Pitfall: Current ATG security measures are riddled with holes. Passwords are only 6 characters and have no requirement for complexity, making them susceptible to brute-force attacks. Even worse, there's no limit or delay on retries, allowing attackers to guess endlessly. Not to mention, the passwords are transmitted in plain text, offering no protection from interception. These shortcomings leave ATGs wide open for exploitation.

Unsecure Data: Data travels between ATGs and other systems like servers. This communication can be vulnerable if not encrypted. Protocols like Veeder Root over TCP/IP leave data exposed. Hackers can steal sensitive information or even inject malicious commands, jeopardizing your entire system. Think of it like sending your gas inventory information with your password on a postcard – anyone can potentially intercept and read it.

Outdated Software: Unlike updating your phone's software, keeping ATG firmware up-to-date with security patches isn't possible. The vulnerability is embedded into the communications protocol that is used. When the basic ATG vulnerability was reported to Homeland Security, now CISA, in 2015, the Veeder Root company's response was to suggest that the password security being enabled. They could not supply a fix for the underlying flaw. They also could not change or improve the baked-in password method. Buying a new ATG won't solve the problem because the flaws are part of the communications protocol.

Remote Access Backdoor: While external firewalls and VPNs can seem like a solution, they can also create backdoors for hackers to infiltrate systems. Hackers can exploit these weaknesses to gain remote access, potentially controlling connected systems, stealing financial data, or launching ransomware attacks.

Two-Factor Authentication Challenge: Cybersecurity experts often recommend two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security. However, implementing 2FA on ATGs presents a unique challenge. These devices lack the capability to request codes, receive them via SMS, phone calls, or emails, and then enter them to complete the login process. As a result, traditional 2FA methods aren't currently feasible for ATGs.

The Domino Effect:Consequences of a Compromised ATG

A successful cyberattack on an ATG can trigger a chain reaction of problems:

Fuel Supply Fiasco: A compromised ATG throws off fuel readings, can disrupt gas station operations and potentially lead to gas shortages, overfills, retention and spills in the affected area.

Financial Fallout: Gas station owners face financial losses due to disrupted operations (like runouts), and the cost of recovering from an attack, which can include IT support, investigations, and regulatory fines.

Environmental Emergency: Tampering with ATGs can lead to fuel spills or leaks. This can cause environmental damage, contaminate soil and water sources, and require expensive cleanup efforts.

Reputational Ruin: A cyberattack can damage a gas station's reputation, leading to lost business and customer distrust. Customers may be hesitant to fill up at a station that has been compromised.

ARUME: Your Partner in ATG Security

ARUME is committed to raising awareness about ATG vulnerabilities and promoting responsible security practices. We don't disclose site IP addresses that could be exploited for malicious purposes. Here's how we contribute to a more secure gas station landscape:

Vulnerability Scanning: We continuously scan for ATG vulnerabilities, helping gas station owners understand if their stations are at risk. This allows them to understand their level of risk and take action accordingly.

Security Savvy: We provide educational resources like articles, webinars, and whitepapers to help gas station owners and operators understand these vulnerabilities and take steps to secure their ATGs. This empowers them to make informed decisions about their cybersecurity posture.

Collaboration is Key: We collaborate with industry stakeholders, including ATG manufacturers, security researchers, and regulatory bodies, to develop and promote best practices for ATG security. By working together, we can create a more secure environment for gas stations.

TL;DR Summary

Automatic Tank Gauges (ATGs) at gas stations have significant security vulnerabilities that make them attractive targets for hackers. Weak passwords, unencrypted data transmission, outdated software, and remote access backdoors can all be exploited. A compromised ATG can disrupt fuel supply, cause financial losses, environmental damage, and reputational harm. ARUME addresses these issues through vulnerability scanning, educational resources, and industry collaboration to improve ATG security and protect critical gas station infrastructure.