---
title: "Critical Flaws in MacGregor VDR G4e Expose Ships to Cyberattacks"
short_title: "Critical flaws in MacGregor VDR G4e threaten ships"
description: "Five severe vulnerabilities in MacGregor VDR G4e devices could allow attackers to gain admin access. Learn about risks, CVEs, and mitigation steps now."
author: "Vitus"
date: 2024-10-02
categories: [Cybersecurity, Vulnerabilities]
tags: [vdr, maritime cybersecurity, cve-2026, danelec, critical vulnerabilities]
score: 0.85
cve_ids: [CVE-2026-42941, CVE-2026-42951, CVE-2026-44611, CVE-2026-42929, CVE-2026-40425]
---
## TL;DR
Five critical vulnerabilities in MacGregor Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) G4e devices, used globally in maritime operations, could allow attackers to gain administrator access, steal sensitive data, or compromise ship systems. Affected versions (below V5.250) suffer from default credentials, hard-coded passwords, and weak hashing. Danelec has released a patch—users must update immediately to avoid exploitation.
Main Content
### Critical Vulnerabilities Threaten Maritime Cybersecurity
The MacGregor Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) G4e, a cornerstone of maritime safety and compliance, has been found to contain five severe vulnerabilities that could expose ships to cyberattacks. These flaws, disclosed by CISA and reported by Pen Test Partners, affect devices running firmware versions earlier than V5.250. Successful exploitation could grant attackers unauthorized administrator access, enabling them to manipulate critical data, disrupt operations, or compromise entire vessel systems.
### Key Points
- Five critical CVEs identified, including default credentials, hard-coded passwords, and weak hashing mechanisms.
- Affected versions: MacGregor VDR G4e devices below V5.250.
- High-risk impact: Attackers could gain full administrative control, steal sensitive data, or alter ship systems.
- Global deployment: Vulnerabilities affect transportation systems worldwide, with devices deployed across critical maritime infrastructure.
- Vendor fix available: Danelec has released firmware V5.250 to patch the flaws. Users are urged to update immediately.
### Technical Details
The vulnerabilities stem from poor security practices in the VDR G4e’s design and configuration:
1. CVE-2026-42941 (CVSS 8.3/8.7)
- Use of Default Credentials: The device ships with a default username and password, with no requirement to change them during setup. Attackers can exploit this to gain unauthorized access.
- Relevant CWE: CWE-1392: Use of Default Credentials.
2. CVE-2026-42951 (CVSS 5.4/5.9)
- Insufficiently Protected Credentials: Authenticated users can download device backups containing account data and password hashes, exposing sensitive information to theft or brute-force attacks.
- Relevant CWE: CWE-522: Insufficiently Protected Credentials.
3. CVE-2026-44611 (CVSS 5.4/5.9)
- Weak Password Hashing: Passwords are stored using a vulnerable hashing method that limits password length and is susceptible to brute-force attacks.
- Relevant CWE: CWE-916: Use of Password Hash With Insufficient Computational Effort.
4. CVE-2026-42929 (CVSS 8.3/8.7)
- Hard-Coded Credentials: The device includes default accounts with hard-coded credentials, providing attackers with an easy entry point.
- Relevant CWE: CWE-798: Use of Hard-coded Credentials.
5. CVE-2026-40425 (CVSS 5.7/6.9)
- Exposed Sensitive Files: The administrator account can directly edit authentication-related files, potentially allowing attackers to change the root password or escalate privileges.
- Relevant CWE: CWE-552: Files or Directories Accessible to External Parties.
### Impact Assessment
The vulnerabilities pose a significant risk to maritime operations, with potential consequences including:
- Unauthorized Access: Attackers could gain administrator-level control over VDR devices, enabling them to alter or delete critical data.
- Data Theft: Sensitive information, including voyage records, crew details, and system configurations, could be stolen or leaked.
- Operational Disruption: Compromised VDRs could disrupt navigation, communication, or safety systems, endangering crew and cargo.
- Regulatory Non-Compliance: Failure to secure VDRs could result in violations of maritime safety regulations, leading to fines or legal action.
Given the global deployment of these devices, the vulnerabilities could impact thousands of vessels, particularly in the transportation and logistics sectors.
### Mitigation Steps
Danelec has released firmware V5.250 to address these vulnerabilities. Users are strongly advised to:
- Update Immediately: Apply the V5.250 firmware update at the earliest service attendance, rather than waiting for annual performance tests.
- Contact Danelec: For assistance or questions, reach out via Danelec’s contact page.
- Isolate Devices: Minimize network exposure by ensuring VDRs are not accessible from the internet and are placed behind firewalls.
- Use Secure Remote Access: If remote access is required, use VPNs or other secure methods to reduce exposure.
- Monitor for Exploitation: Implement intrusion detection systems to identify and respond to suspicious activity.
CISA also recommends adopting a defense-in-depth strategy for industrial control systems (ICS). Detailed guidance is available on the CISA ICS webpage.
### Affected Systems
- Vendor: Danelec
- Product: MacGregor Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) G4e
- Affected Versions: Below V5.250
- Critical Infrastructure Sector: Transportation Systems
- Deployment: Worldwide
## Conclusion
The discovery of these five critical vulnerabilities in MacGregor VDR G4e devices underscores the growing cybersecurity risks facing maritime infrastructure. With administrator access, data theft, and operational disruption all possible, the stakes are high for vessel operators. Immediate action—including firmware updates and network hardening—is essential to mitigate these threats.
As cyberattacks on critical infrastructure continue to rise, the maritime industry must prioritize proactive security measures to safeguard vessels, crew, and cargo. Failure to act could have catastrophic consequences, both operationally and financially.
## References
[^1]: CISA. "ICSA-26-148-01: Danelec MacGregor Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) G4e Vulnerabilities". Retrieved 2024-10-02.
[^2]: Pen Test Partners. "MacGregor VDR G4e Vulnerability Research". Retrieved 2024-10-02.
[^3]: Danelec. "Firmware Update V5.250 for MacGregor VDR G4e". Retrieved 2024-10-02.