OTPulse
FeedAboutContact

Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 CPU Firmware Vulnerabilities

Low RiskICS-CERT ICSA-14-073-01Dec 15, 2014
Summary

The Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 CPU family firmware versions prior to V1.5 contain multiple vulnerabilities including input validation flaws (CWE-352, CWE-80), weak random number generation (CWE-331), open redirect issues (CWE-601), and missing authentication checks (CWE-404). These vulnerabilities can be exploited remotely over the network to gain unauthorized control of the controller.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker with network access to the S7-1500 CPU could exploit multiple firmware vulnerabilities to execute unauthorized commands on the controller, potentially disrupting production processes, altering setpoints, or causing equipment malfunction.
Who's at risk
Water treatment facilities, electrical substations, and any industrial plant using Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for critical process automation, especially systems controlling pumping, generation, or safety interlocks.
How it could be exploited
An attacker on the same network as the S7-1500 CPU could send specially crafted requests to exploit one or more of the firmware vulnerabilities (input validation flaws, open redirect issues, or weak random number generation) to gain control of the PLC without authentication.
Prerequisites
  • Network connectivity to the S7-1500 CPU on port 102 (S7 protocol) or web interface port
  • No authentication required for exploit
remotely exploitableno authentication requiredmultiple vulnerability types (input validation, weak cryptography, logic errors)no patch availableend-of-life or unsupported firmware versions
Exploitability
Moderate exploit probability (EPSS 1.6%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
SIMATIC S7-1500 CPU family: <V1.5<V1.5No fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/4
Do now
0/2
HARDENINGIsolate S7-1500 CPUs on a dedicated industrial control network segment with firewall rules restricting access from business networks and the internet
WORKAROUNDDisable remote access capabilities on S7-1500 CPUs if not required for operations; use air-gapping or VPN with strong authentication if remote engineering access is necessary
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HARDENINGMonitor S7-1500 CPUs for unauthorized connection attempts and firmware modifications using available logging and network surveillance tools
Mitigations - no patch available
0/1
SIMATIC S7-1500 CPU family: <V1.5 has reached End of Life. The vendor will not release a patch. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGEvaluate upgrade path to newer SIMATIC S7-1500 firmware versions if available from your equipment lifecycle and maintenance schedule
View full CISA ICS-CERT advisory
↑↓ Navigate · Esc Close
API: /api/v1/advisories/01fa4ef3-9ac6-4d5e-9d6a-9135b0a4fba5
Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 CPU Firmware Vulnerabilities - OTPulse