ICSA-18-317-06 Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal)
Monitor4ICS-CERT ICSA-18-317-06Nov 13, 2018
Attack VectorLocal
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary
SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) versions prior to 15.1 contain an information disclosure vulnerability that allows an attacker with local or network access to project files to read sensitive project information. The issue is related to inadequate protection of project file contents. This affects all users relying on SIMATIC STEP 7 for control system engineering and project development.
What this means
What could happen
An attacker with local access to the engineering workstation or project storage can read sensitive project information from SIMATIC STEP 7 files, potentially exposing configuration details, logic, and security settings used in PLC and automation systems.
Who's at risk
This vulnerability affects organizations using SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) for PLC and automation system engineering and configuration. It is of concern to engineering teams, plant operators, and facilities that rely on proprietary automation logic for water treatment, power generation, manufacturing, or process control systems.
How it could be exploited
An attacker with local file system access to the SIMATIC STEP 7 project directory (either directly on the engineering station or on a shared project storage location) can open and read unencrypted or inadequately protected project files to extract proprietary automation logic, device addresses, and security configurations.
Prerequisites
- Local or network-based file system access to SIMATIC STEP 7 project files
- No special credentials required if file permissions are not properly restricted
- Access to the engineering workstation or shared project storage location
Local file access requiredInformation disclosure riskAffects engineering intellectual propertyProject files may contain sensitive automation logic
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.0%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal)<V15.1Version 15.1
Remediation & Mitigation
0/4
Do now
0/3HARDENINGRestrict network access to the engineering station and project storage location to trusted IP addresses and sources only
HARDENINGRestrict file system access and permissions on project files to only authorized engineering personnel
HARDENINGStore project files in a protected, access-controlled location with strong file permissions
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption
HOTFIXUpgrade SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) to Version 15.1 or later
CVEs (1)
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