OTPulse

Siemens Siemens Engineering Platforms

Plan Patch7.8ICS-CERT ICSA-24-347-05Dec 10, 2024
Attack VectorLocal
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionRequired
Summary

A type confusion vulnerability in Siemens engineering platform products allows arbitrary code execution when parsing specially crafted files. The vulnerability exists in user input handling during file parsing across multiple TIA Portal-based engineering and configuration tools (STEP 7, WinCC, PLCSIM, Startdrive, and related modules). Most products have no fix available; only SIMATIC STEP 7 V19, SIMATIC STEP 7 Safety V19, SIMATIC WinCC V19, SIMATIC WinCC Unified V19, and SIMOTION SCOUT TIA V5.6 have patches released. TIA Portal V20 products are not affected.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker could execute arbitrary code on an engineering workstation by sending a crafted file, potentially compromising automation project files, stealing control logic, or injecting malicious logic that affects connected PLCs and equipment. This affects anyone using Siemens TIA Portal-based engineering tools to design or modify industrial processes.
Who's at risk
Manufacturing and utility organizations using Siemens TIA Portal engineering software for automaton development and PLC configuration. This includes process engineers, automation technicians, and integration teams who use STEP 7, WinCC, PLCSIM, Startdrive, and related configuration modules. The vulnerability affects workstations, not field devices directly, but compromised engineering workstations can be used to alter control logic on connected PLCs, motors, safety systems, and process equipment.
How it could be exploited
An attacker crafts a malicious file (likely a TIA Portal project file or configuration export) and tricks an engineer into opening it in an affected Siemens engineering application. The file triggers a type confusion error during parsing, allowing the attacker's code to run with the privileges of the engineering workstation. If that workstation has credentials to download logic to PLCs or access control systems, the attacker can pivot to modify production equipment behavior.
Prerequisites
  • User interaction required: engineer must open the malicious file
  • Access to deliver the file to the target workstation (email, shared drive, USB)
  • Engineering workstation must have one of the affected Siemens products installed
  • No special network access required; exploitation happens on the local machine when opening the file
User interaction required but common (opening project files)Low complexity—attacker only needs to craft a malicious fileHigh impact potential—code runs with user privileges, can modify automation logicMajority of affected products have no fix planned (only 5 products have patches)Affects safety-critical tools (STEP 7 Safety, SIMOTION SCOUT, SIRIUS Safety ES)Common delivery vector (email, file sharing, USB)
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.1%)
Affected products (39)
5 with fix34 pending
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM V16All versionsNo fix yet
SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM V17All versionsNo fix yet
SIMATIC STEP 7 Safety V16All versionsNo fix yet
SIMATIC STEP 7 Safety V17All versionsNo fix yet
SIMATIC STEP 7 Safety V18All versionsNo fix yet
Remediation & Mitigation

Siemens is preparing fix versions and recommends countermeasures for products where fixes are not, or are not yet, available: Siemens has released products based on the Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V20 which are not affected by CVE-2024-49849. SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM V16, SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM V17, SIMATIC STEP 7 Safety V16, SIMATIC STEP 7 V16, SIMATIC WinCC Unified V16, SIMATIC WinCC V16, SIMOCODE ES V16, SIMOTION SCOUT TIA V5.4 SP1, SINAMICS Startdrive V16, TIA Portal Cloud V16: Currently no fix is planned SIMATIC STEP 7 Safety V17, SIMATIC STEP 7 Safety V18, SIMATIC STEP 7 Safety V19, SIMATIC STEP 7 V17, SIMATIC STEP 7 V18, SIMATIC STEP 7 V19, SIMATIC WinCC Unified V17, SIMATIC WinCC Unified V18, SIMATIC WinCC Unified V19, SIMATIC WinCC V17, SIMATIC WinCC V18, SIMATIC WinCC V19, SIMOCODE ES V17, SIMOCODE ES V18, SIMOCODE ES V19, SIMOTION SCOUT TIA V5.4 SP3, SIMOTION SCOUT TIA V5.5 SP1, SIMOTION SCOUT TIA V5.6 SP1, SINAMICS Startdrive V17, SINAMICS Startdrive V18, SINAMICS Startdrive V19, SIRIUS Safety ES V17 (TIA Portal), SIRIUS Safety ES V18 (TIA Portal), SIRIUS Safety ES V19 (TIA Portal), SIRIUS Soft Starter ES V17 (TIA Portal), SIRIUS Soft Starter ES V18 (TIA Portal), SIRIUS Soft Starter ES V19 (TIA Portal), TIA Portal Cloud V17, TIA Portal Cloud V18, TIA Portal Cloud V19: Currently no fix is available Siemens has identified the following specific workarounds and mitigations users can apply to reduce risk: All affected products: Avoid opening untrusted files from unknown sources in affected products. As a general security measure, Siemens recommends protecting network access to devices with appropriate mechanisms. To operate the devices in a protected IT environment, Siemens recommends configuring the environment according to Siemens' operational guidelines for industrial security and following recommendations in the product manuals. Additional information on industrial security by Siemens can be found on the Siemens industrial security webpage For more information see the associated Siemens security advisory SSA-800126 in HTML and CSAF. CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability, such as: Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, ensuring they are not accessible from the internet. Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls and isolating them from business networks. When remote access is required, use more secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Recognize VPNs may have vulnerabilities, should be updated to the most recent version available, and are only as secure as the connected devices. CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures. CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on cisa.gov. Several CISA products detailing cyber defense best practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies. CISA encourages organizations to implement recommended cybersecurity strategies for proactive defense of ICS assets. Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage at cisa.gov in the technical information paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B--Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies. Organizations observing suspected malicious activity should follow established internal procedures and report findings to CISA for tracking and correlation against other incidents. CISA also recommends users take the following measures to protect themselves from social engineering attacks: Do not click web links or open attachments in unsolicited email messages. Refer to Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams for more information on avoiding email scams. Refer to Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more in

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