Published: December 12, 2024
In a critical update for users and operators of Siemens engineering platforms, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued an advisory regarding a notable vulnerability that affects several products within their range. This advisory is particularly important for those involved in critical manufacturing and industrial control systems.
As of January 10, 2023, CISA has announced the cessation of updates for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) security advisories related to Siemens product vulnerabilities beyond the initial advisory. The CISA advisory notes a vulnerability with a Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) rating of 7.0 in version 4. The alarming aspect of this advisory is that a successful exploitation could lead an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems.
The following identifiers are associated with this vulnerability:
Organizations are encouraged to stay updated with the latest advisories from Siemens and CISA, as the dynamic nature of cybersecurity threats requires continuous vigilance.
For the complete Siemens security advisory, including all recommended practices and further details, refer to the Siemens ProductCERT and Siemens CERT.
As we continue to witness the increasing complexity of cybersecurity threats, the onus is on every organization to take responsible steps to protect their assets from potential exploitation. Stay safe out there!
Source: CISA Siemens Engineering Platforms | CISA
In a critical update for users and operators of Siemens engineering platforms, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued an advisory regarding a notable vulnerability that affects several products within their range. This advisory is particularly important for those involved in critical manufacturing and industrial control systems.
Executive Summary
As of January 10, 2023, CISA has announced the cessation of updates for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) security advisories related to Siemens product vulnerabilities beyond the initial advisory. The CISA advisory notes a vulnerability with a Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) rating of 7.0 in version 4. The alarming aspect of this advisory is that a successful exploitation could lead an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems.Key Details:
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Vendor: Siemens
- Affected Equipment: Siemens Engineering Platforms
- Vulnerability Type: Improper Input Validation
Risk Evaluation
The vulnerability identified in Siemens engineering platforms could potentially allow an attacker to execute commands of their choosing, making it an urgent concern for organizations using these industrial systems.Affected Products
CISA has flagged an extensive list of Siemens products that are susceptible to this vulnerability. Here’s a selection of the most critical components affected:- Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 (various versions)
- Siemens SIMATIC WinCC (various versions)
- Siemens TIA Portal Cloud (various versions)
- Siemens SIMOCODE and SIRIUS Soft Starters
Vulnerability Overview
The vulnerability primarily stems from improper input validation, where affected devices fail to adequately sanitize user-controllable inputs during settings parsing. This weakness can empower attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the host operating systems, especially under user privileges.The following identifiers are associated with this vulnerability:
- CVE ID: CVE-2024-52051
- CVSS v3 Score: 7.3
- CVSS v4 Score: 7.0
Mitigation Measures
Currently, Siemens has advised that there are no fixes available for the affected products. However, there are some recommended security measures organizations can implement to reduce their risk exposure:- Network Security: Ensure network access to affected devices is protected through appropriate mechanisms. This can include placing control systems behind firewalls and isolating them from business networks.
- Operational Security Guidelines: Users are urged to configure their environments according to Siemens’ operational guidelines for industrial security.
- Remote Access Strategies: When necessary, utilize more secure remote access methods such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), ensuring these systems are updated and monitored regularly.
CISA's Recommendations
CISA also emphasizes additional defensive measures:- Minimize network exposure for all control system devices.
- Employ effective network segmentation to enhance security robustness.
- Carry out regular reviews to ensure compliance with cybersecurity best practices.
Background & Context
Siemens, headquartered in Germany, plays a prominent role in the global industrial landscape, with their products deployed worldwide across various critical manufacturing sectors. As such, securing these systems is vital not only for individual organizations but also for overarching national infrastructure security.Conclusion
This vulnerability advisory serves as a reminder for organizations utilizing Siemens engineering platforms to proactively assess their cybersecurity measures. Despite the lack of a current fix, implementing robust mitigation strategies can significantly diminish risk.Organizations are encouraged to stay updated with the latest advisories from Siemens and CISA, as the dynamic nature of cybersecurity threats requires continuous vigilance.
For the complete Siemens security advisory, including all recommended practices and further details, refer to the Siemens ProductCERT and Siemens CERT.
As we continue to witness the increasing complexity of cybersecurity threats, the onus is on every organization to take responsible steps to protect their assets from potential exploitation. Stay safe out there!
Source: CISA Siemens Engineering Platforms | CISA
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