CVE-2020-15782:Memory Protection Bypass Vulnerability in Siemens SIMATIC and SINAMICS Products

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CVE-2020-15782 is a critical vulnerability affecting multiple Siemens industrial control system products including SIMATIC Drive Controllers, S7-1200 and S7-1500 CPU families, and SINAMICS PERFECT HARMONY GH180 Drives. The vulnerability allows remote unauthenticated attackers to bypass memory protection mechanisms through a specific operation, potentially enabling them to write arbitrary data and code to protected memory areas or read sensitive data from the affected devices.

Overview

This vulnerability affects a wide range of Siemens industrial automation products. The issue stems from a memory protection bypass vulnerability that can be exploited through port 102/tcp (the standard S7 communication port). An unauthenticated attacker with network access to this port could potentially execute arbitrary code, modify critical system parameters, or extract sensitive information from the device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for industrial environments as it could allow attackers to gain control over critical infrastructure systems, potentially leading to physical damage, production outages, or safety incidents. The affected products are widely used in various industrial sectors including manufacturing, energy, water treatment, and transportation.

Remediation

Users should implement the following mitigations:

  1. Update affected devices to the following versions or newer:

    • SIMATIC Drive Controller family: V2.9.2
    • SIMATIC ET 200SP Open Controller CPU 1515SP PC2: V21.9
    • SIMATIC S7-1200 CPU family: V4.5.0
    • SIMATIC S7-1500 CPU family: V2.9.2
    • SIMATIC S7-1500 Software Controller: V21.9
    • SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM Advanced: V4.0
    • SINUMERIK MC and ONE: V6.15
    • For SINAMICS PERFECT HARMONY GH180 Drives, contact Siemens if manufactured before 2021-08-13

  2. If updates cannot be applied immediately:

    • Implement network segmentation and isolate vulnerable devices from untrusted networks
    • Use VPN for remote access to the industrial control system network
    • Apply the principle of least privilege for network access to the devices
    • Monitor systems for suspicious activities
    • Follow defense-in-depth security practices as recommended by Siemens

  3. Contact Siemens Technical Support for additional guidance specific to your installation.

References

  1. Siemens Security Advisory SSA-434534: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-434534.pdf
  2. Siemens Security Advisory SSA-434535: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-434535.pdf
  3. Siemens Security Advisory SSA-434536: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-434536.pdf
  4. Siemens ProductCERT: https://www.siemens.com/cert
  5. ICS-CERT Advisory (for additional information on industrial control system security)
  6. MITRE CVE-2020-15782: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2020-15782

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Manufacturing: Medium
    Manufacturing
  2. Retail Trade: Low
    Retail Trade
  3. Health Care & Social Assistance: Low
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  4. Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  5. Transportation & Warehousing: Low
    Transportation & Warehousing
  6. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  7. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  8. Management of Companies & Enterprises: Low
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  9. Accommodation & Food Services: Low
    Accommodation & Food Services
  10. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  11. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  12. Construction: Low
    Construction
  13. Educational Services: Low
    Educational Services
  14. Finance and Insurance: Low
    Finance and Insurance
  15. Information: Low
    Information
  16. Mining: Low
    Mining
  17. Public Administration: Low
    Public Administration
  18. Real Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  19. Utilities: Low
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade: Low
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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