CVE-2024-53648
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability affects multiple Siemens SIPROTEC 5 protection relay devices. It allows unauthenticated attackers with physical access to execute arbitrary commands via an exposed development shell interface. The vulnerability impacts numerous device models across various hardware platforms (CP050, CP100, CP150, CP200, CP300).
💻 Affected Systems
- SIPROTEC 5 6MD84
- SIPROTEC 5 6MD85
- SIPROTEC 5 6MD86
- SIPROTEC 5 6MD89
- SIPROTEC 5 6MU85
- SIPROTEC 5 7KE85
- SIPROTEC 5 7SA82
- SIPROTEC 5 7SA86
- SIPROTEC 5 7SA87
- SIPROTEC 5 7SD82
- SIPROTEC 5 7SD86
- SIPROTEC 5 7SD87
- SIPROTEC 5 7SJ81
- SIPROTEC 5 7SJ82
- SIPROTEC 5 7SJ85
- SIPROTEC 5 7SJ86
- SIPROTEC 5 7SK82
- SIPROTEC 5 7SK85
- SIPROTEC 5 7SL82
- SIPROTEC 5 7SL86
- SIPROTEC 5 7SL87
- SIPROTEC 5 7SS85
- SIPROTEC 5 7ST85
- SIPROTEC 5 7ST86
- SIPROTEC 5 7SX82
- SIPROTEC 5 7SX85
- SIPROTEC 5 7SY82
- SIPROTEC 5 7UM85
- SIPROTEC 5 7UT82
- SIPROTEC 5 7UT85
- SIPROTEC 5 7UT86
- SIPROTEC 5 7UT87
- SIPROTEC 5 7VE85
- SIPROTEC 5 7VK87
- SIPROTEC 5 7VU85
- SIPROTEC 5 Compact 7SX800
⚠️ 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
An attacker with physical access could gain complete control of the device, potentially disrupting critical power grid operations, modifying protection settings, or using the device as a pivot point into the operational technology network.
Likely Case
Physical access exploitation leading to device compromise, configuration changes, or denial of service affecting power system protection functions.
If Mitigated
With proper physical security controls, the risk is significantly reduced as exploitation requires direct physical access to device interfaces.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires physical access to device interfaces but no authentication. The development shell appears to be accessible via physical ports on affected devices.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: V9.90, V10.0, or V8.90 depending on specific product and hardware platform
Vendor Advisory: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-687955.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Identify affected SIPROTEC 5 devices and their current firmware versions. 2. Download appropriate firmware updates from Siemens Industry Online Support. 3. Follow Siemens update procedures for protection relays. 4. Apply firmware updates to affected devices. 5. Verify successful update and device functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Physical Security Controls
allImplement strict physical access controls to prevent unauthorized access to device interfaces
Physical Port Disablement
allPhysically secure or disable unused physical interfaces on affected devices
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement enhanced physical security measures including access controls, surveillance, and tamper-evident seals
- Isolate affected devices in secure enclosures with restricted physical access
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device model and firmware version via DIGSI 5 engineering tool or device display. Compare against affected versions listed in Siemens advisory SSA-687955.Check Version:
Use DIGSI 5 engineering software to read device information or check device display for firmware versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to V9.90, V10.0, or V8.90 (as applicable) using DIGSI 5 or device display.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected physical access to device locations
- Unauthorized configuration changes
- Device restart events
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network traffic from affected devices
- Configuration change alerts
SIEM Query:
Search for: device_model:SIPROTEC* AND (event_type:configuration_change OR event_type:device_restart) from unauthorized sources