CVE-2020-15782
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote unauthenticated attackers to bypass memory protection on Siemens industrial control systems. By sending specially crafted packets to port 102/tcp, attackers can read sensitive data or write arbitrary code to protected memory areas. Affected systems include SIMATIC controllers, drives, and related industrial automation equipment.
💻 Affected Systems
- SIMATIC Drive Controller family
- SIMATIC ET 200SP Open Controller CPU 1515SP PC
- SIMATIC ET 200SP Open Controller CPU 1515SP PC2
- SIMATIC S7-1200 CPU family
- SIMATIC S7-1500 CPU family
- SIMATIC S7-1500 Software Controller
- SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM Advanced
- SINAMICS PERFECT HARMONY GH180 Drives
- SINUMERIK MC
- SINUMERIK ONE
📦 What is this software?
Et 200sp Open Controller Firmware by Siemens
Simatic Driver Controller Firmware by Siemens
View all CVEs affecting Simatic Driver Controller Firmware →
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, disrupt industrial processes, steal sensitive operational data, or cause physical damage to equipment.
Likely Case
Data exfiltration, denial of service, or initial foothold for further attacks on industrial control networks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation and access controls prevent unauthorized access to port 102/tcp.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires sending specific packets to port 102/tcp but no public exploit code is documented.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: V2.9.2 for S7-1500, V4.5.0 for S7-1200, V21.9 for ET 200SP, etc. (see vendor advisory for specific products)
Vendor Advisory: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-434534.pdf
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Identify affected products and versions. 2. Download firmware updates from Siemens Industrial Online Support. 3. Apply updates following Siemens update procedures. 4. Restart affected devices. 5. Verify successful update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network segmentation and access control
allRestrict access to port 102/tcp using firewalls and network segmentation
Disable unnecessary S7 services
allIf possible, disable S7 communication services not required for operation
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate affected devices from untrusted networks
- Deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic on port 102/tcp
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version against affected versions list in Siemens advisoryCheck Version:
Use Siemens TIA Portal or device web interface to check firmware versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to patched version using device web interface or TIA Portal📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual connection attempts to port 102/tcp
- Multiple failed authentication attempts on S7 services
- Unexpected firmware or configuration changes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic patterns to port 102/tcp from unauthorized sources
- Malformed S7 packets
- Traffic from unexpected network segments to industrial controllers
SIEM Query:
source_port:102 AND (protocol:TCP) AND (src_ip NOT IN [authorized_ips])🔗 References
- https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-434534.pdf
- https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-434535.pdf
- https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-434536.pdf
- https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-434534.pdf
- https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-434535.pdf
- https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-434536.pdf
