OTPulse
FeedAboutContact

Siemens WinCC Flexible Runtime Heap Overflow

Low RiskICS-CERT ICSA-11-244-01Jun 4, 2011
Summary

A heap overflow vulnerability exists in Siemens SIMATIC WinCC flexible Runtime and SIMATIC WinCC (TIA Portal) Runtime Advanced across all versions. The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the HMI system through memory corruption. No vendor fix is available for either affected product.

What this means
What could happen
A heap overflow in WinCC Flexible Runtime or TIA Portal Runtime Advanced could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the human-machine interface (HMI) system, potentially disrupting operator visibility and control of critical processes.
Who's at risk
This affects water utilities and municipal electric utilities operating Siemens SIMATIC WinCC Flexible or TIA Portal Runtime Advanced systems as their human-machine interface (HMI) for operator control and monitoring of water treatment, pump stations, distribution networks, or electrical substations.
How it could be exploited
An attacker with local or network access to the WinCC runtime process could trigger the heap overflow through malformed input or a crafted file, leading to memory corruption and code execution on the HMI system.
Prerequisites
  • Local or network access to the WinCC runtime application
  • Ability to provide input that triggers the heap overflow condition (file, network message, or user interaction)
No patch availableHeap overflow can lead to code executionAffects HMI systems critical to operator control
Exploitability
Moderate exploit probability (EPSS 2.7%)
Affected products (2)
2 EOL
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Siemens SIMATIC WinCC flexible Runtime: vers:all/*All versionsNo fix (EOL)
Siemens SIMATIC WinCC (TIA Portal) Runtime Advanced: vers:all/*All versionsNo fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/4
Do now
0/1
WORKAROUNDDisable remote access to WinCC runtime if not operationally required; close unnecessary ports and restrict communications protocols
Mitigations - no patch available
0/3
The following products have reached End of Life with no planned fix: Siemens SIMATIC WinCC flexible Runtime: vers:all/*, Siemens SIMATIC WinCC (TIA Portal) Runtime Advanced: vers:all/*. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGImplement network segmentation to restrict access to WinCC systems from untrusted networks; limit connectivity to engineering workstations and control systems only
HARDENINGMonitor WinCC runtime processes for unexpected crashes or memory errors that could indicate exploitation attempts
HARDENINGApply defense-in-depth: use host-based firewall rules to restrict which systems can communicate with the WinCC HMI
View full CISA ICS-CERT advisory
↑↓ Navigate · Esc Close
API: /api/v1/advisories/3c246ceb-dde2-452e-bc25-0a48d14f3f8e