TCP session hijacking via predictable sequence numbers
Published Feb 9, 2021 · Updated Jun 2, 2026
Predictable TCP sequence numbers in Siemens Nucleus NET before 5.2 allow remote attackers to hijack or spoof TCP sessions. The TCP/IP stack derives initial sequence numbers from an insufficiently random source, making current and future values predictable. A network path to the target and sufficient sequence prediction are required; successful use can inject traffic or terminate a session.
Summary
What happened
Predictable TCP sequence numbers in Siemens Nucleus NET before 5.2 allow remote attackers to hijack or spoof TCP sessions. The TCP/IP stack derives initial sequence numbers from an insufficiently random source, making current and future values predictable. A network path to the target and sufficient sequence prediction are required; successful use can inject traffic or terminate a session.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2020-28388
- Published
- Feb 9, 2021
- Updated
- Jun 2, 2026
- Vendor
- Siemens
- Product
- TALON TC Compact (BACnet)
- Classifications
- CWE-342, T1565.002
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Feb 9, 2021CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Jun 2, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=All versions < V3.5.5
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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