IN THE PUBLIC EYE

Critical Railroad-Signaling Flaw Could Disrupt U.S. Rail Traffic

A newly disclosed cybersecurity vulnerability in train braking systems could allow hackers to remotely stop trains using inexpensive, readily available equipment, creating potential for serious disruptions, derailments or safety incidents.

 

The high-severity vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-1727, stems from weak authentication in the wireless protocol that transmits brake commands between a train’s head and end-of-train (EOT) devices.  This protocol is responsible for initiating emergency stops.

 

According to a July 10 advisory from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), “Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to send their own brake control commands to the end-of-train device, causing a sudden stoppage of the train which may lead to a disruption of operations, or induce brake failure.”

 

The Association of American Railroads (AAR), which oversees the protocol through an internal committee, selected a replacement system in May. However, the new technology is not expected to be deployed until 2027 at the earliest.

 

Government Response and Industry Mitigation

CISA’s acting executive assistant director for cybersecurity, Chris Butera, said the vulnerability has been known to the rail community “for over a decade”. He added that exploitation would require physical access, protocol expertise and specialized equipment to limit widespread risk. Still, CISA considered the flaw “technically significant” and is collaborating with industry partners on mitigation strategies.

 

In its advisory, CISA recommends:

  • Segmenting operational networks
  • Restricting remote access
  • Placing vulnerable systems behind firewalls
  • Deploying intrusion-detection tools

This vulnerability may represent one of the most serious cybersecurity threats ever identified in rail infrastructure. Spoofed brake signals could derail trains, disrupt cargo routes or impair passenger service, potentially destabilizing supply chains.

 

With over 140,000 miles of track transporting 1.5 billion tons of freight annually, U.S. rail system is a critical component of commerce and military logistics. Recent attacks by Russian-linked hackers on rail networks in Ukraine and Poland, demonstrate how simple, low-cost radio-frequency-based methods can cause serious disruption.

 

Daniel dos Santos, head of research at Forescout, said the vulnerability was serious due to its wireless exploitability and the difficulty of patching the protocol. He urged rail operators to identify their potential exposure and deploy intrusion-detection software that can spot anomalous packet behavior.

 

Insurance Implications for Cargo and Transportation Operators

This event highlights the growing need for cyber insurance and transportation-specific risk coverage. A successful attack on braking systems could trigger:

  • Delays and loss of time-sensitive goods
  • Damage to freight or railcars
  • Third-party liability exposures
  • Business interruption and financial loss

 

Companies should work with brokers to evaluate:

  • Cyber insurance coverage for operational technology
  • Inland marine and cargo policies
  • Business interruption and contingent business income limits
  • Third-party liability protections

 

How Alliant Can Help

Alliant takes an integrated approach to guiding clients through key cyber risk, threat and vulnerability considerations, with particular focus on the transportation industry. 

 

The Alliant Cyber and Transportation teams work together to identify, quantify, mitigate, finance and, where possible, efficiently and effectively transfer risk.

 

This includes talented resources with deep industry expertise and strong skills in cybersecurity consulting, brokerage, risk management and compliance. 

 

Contact Alliant for more information on how we can assist your organization and optimize risk management outcomes in the face of cyber risks, threats and vulnerabilities.