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Know-How Protection Mechanism Failure in TIA Portal

Monitor6.2SSA-042050Jun 13, 2023
Attack VectorLocal
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary

The know-how protection feature in TIA Portal (V14–V20) does not properly update the encryption of existing program blocks when a project file is updated. This allows attackers with access to the project file to recover previous unprotected versions of the project without the know-how protection password. The vulnerability exists because historical versions of program blocks remain stored in an unencrypted state even after the know-how protection feature is enabled on newer versions.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker with access to a TIA Portal project file can extract unprotected versions of program blocks despite the know-how protection feature being enabled, potentially exposing proprietary control logic and process code.
Who's at risk
Organizations managing Siemens control systems using TIA Portal (V14 through V20) for engineering and programming of PLCs and industrial controllers should care. This affects any facility that treats PLC logic or process setpoints as proprietary intellectual property or a trade secret, including water treatment plants, electric utilities, refineries, manufacturing facilities, and any critical infrastructure using Siemens automation.
How it could be exploited
An attacker must first obtain access to a TIA Portal project file (typically through compromised file storage, backup access, or insider access to the engineering workstation). The attacker can then examine previous versions stored within the project file structure and recover unencrypted program blocks that existed before the know-how protection was applied, bypassing the protection password.
Prerequisites
  • Access to TIA Portal project file (.ap16, .ap17, .ap18, .ap19, .ap20 or earlier versions)
  • No authentication required once file is obtained
  • Knowledge of TIA Portal project file structure or use of standard file analysis tools
No patch available (product versions across 7+ years remain vulnerable)Low complexity exploitationAffects engineering intellectual property / proprietary process logicLong attack window (previous unencrypted versions remain accessible)
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.1%)
Affected products (8)
8 EOL
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V16All versionsNo fix (EOL)
Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V17All versionsNo fix (EOL)
Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V18All versionsNo fix (EOL)
Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V19All versionsNo fix (EOL)
Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V20All versionsNo fix (EOL)
Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V14All versionsNo fix (EOL)
Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V15All versionsNo fix (EOL)
Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V15.1All versionsNo fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/4
Do now
0/1
Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V16
HARDENINGRestrict file-level access to TIA Portal project files through file system permissions and access controls—ensure only authorized engineering staff can read/modify project files on shared storage and backups
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

WORKAROUNDApply know-how protection to all program blocks in new projects and re-export existing projects under the know-how protection password to ensure all versions are encrypted
Mitigations - no patch available
0/2
The following products have reached End of Life with no planned fix: Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V16, Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V17, Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V18, Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V19, Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V20, Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V14, Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V15, Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) V15.1. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGStore TIA Portal project files and backups in physically secured locations with audit logging of who accesses them
HARDENINGImplement network segmentation to restrict access to engineering workstations and file storage to trusted personnel only
View full Siemens ProductCERT advisory
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Know-How Protection Mechanism Failure in TIA Portal | CVSS 6.2 - OTPulse