CVE-2024-49849
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in multiple Siemens industrial automation products allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting improper input sanitization when parsing log files. It affects SIMATIC, STEP 7, WinCC, and other Siemens TIA Portal software across versions V16-V19. The type confusion vulnerability could lead to remote code execution within affected applications.
💻 Affected Systems
- SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM
- SIMATIC STEP 7 Safety
- SIMATIC STEP 7
- SIMATIC WinCC Unified
- SIMATIC WinCC
- SIMOCODE ES
- SIMOTION SCOUT TIA
- SINAMICS Startdrive
- SIRIUS Safety ES
- SIRIUS Soft Starter ES
- TIA Portal Cloud
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote attacker gains full control of the engineering workstation, potentially compromising industrial control systems, manipulating processes, or establishing persistence in OT networks.
Likely Case
Attacker executes malicious code on engineering workstations, leading to data theft, manipulation of PLC programs, or disruption of industrial operations.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact limited to isolated engineering workstations without affecting production systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires attacker to manipulate log files that the application parses. No public exploits available as of analysis.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: V17 Update 9, V19 Update 4, TIA Portal Cloud V5.2.1.1
Vendor Advisory: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-800126.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download updates from Siemens Industry Online Support. 2. Install updates on affected engineering workstations. 3. Restart systems after installation. 4. Verify installation through version checks.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Log File Access
windowsLimit write access to log file directories to prevent malicious log file creation.
icacls "C:\ProgramData\Siemens\Logs" /deny Everyone:(W)
Network Segmentation
allIsolate engineering workstations from production networks and internet access.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls on engineering workstations
- Monitor for suspicious log file modifications and application crashes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check installed Siemens software versions against affected versions list. Review application logs for parsing errors.Check Version:
Check via Siemens TIA Portal 'Help > About' or Windows Programs and FeaturesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version is V17 Update 9 or higher, V19 Update 4 or higher, or TIA Portal Cloud V5.2.1.1 or higher.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes when parsing log files
- Unexpected log file modifications
- Suspicious process execution from Siemens applications
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network traffic from engineering workstations
- Attempts to transfer log files to external systems
SIEM Query:
EventID=1000 OR EventID=1001 Source="Siemens TIA Portal" OR ProcessName contains "Siemens" AND CommandLine contains ".log"