CVE-2020-7489
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in EcoStruxure Machine Expert and SoMachine Basic programming software allows DLL injection attacks through improper input validation. Attackers can substitute legitimate DLLs with malicious ones, potentially transferring malicious code to industrial controllers. This affects users of these Schneider Electric programming tools.
💻 Affected Systems
- EcoStruxure Machine Expert - Basic
- SoMachine Basic
📦 What is this software?
Ecostruxure Machine Expert by Schneider Electric
Modicon M100 Firmware by Schneider Electric
Modicon M200 Firmware by Schneider Electric
Modicon M221 Firmware by Schneider Electric
Somachine Basic by Schneider Electric
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of industrial control systems, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on controllers, disrupt operations, or cause physical damage to equipment.
Likely Case
Malicious code execution on controllers leading to operational disruption, data manipulation, or unauthorized access to industrial networks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls and monitoring are in place, with potential for detection before significant damage occurs.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires access to the programming software and ability to manipulate DLL files
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Versions specified in vendor advisory SEVD-2020-105-01
Vendor Advisory: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/SEVD-2020-105-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the patched version from Schneider Electric's website. 2. Uninstall the vulnerable version. 3. Install the patched version. 4. Restart the system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict software access
allLimit access to programming software to authorized personnel only
Application whitelisting
windowsImplement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized DLL execution
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate programming workstations from production networks
- Implement strict access controls and monitoring for programming software usage
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check software version against affected versions listed in SEVD-2020-105-01 advisoryCheck Version:
Check version in software's About dialog or installation directoryVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version matches patched version from vendor advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized DLL loading events
- Unexpected process execution from programming software
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network traffic from programming workstations to controllers
SIEM Query:
Process creation events from EcoStruxure or SoMachine executables loading unexpected DLLs