CVE-2024-54089
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability affects Siemens APOGEE PXC and TALON TC building automation controllers using weak hard-coded encryption keys. Attackers can decrypt passwords from ciphertext, potentially gaining unauthorized access to building control systems. All versions of these BACnet and P2 Ethernet devices are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- APOGEE PXC Series (BACnet)
- APOGEE PXC Series (P2 Ethernet)
- TALON TC Series (BACnet)
⚠️ 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
Complete compromise of building automation systems allowing attackers to manipulate HVAC, lighting, security systems, or cause physical damage to equipment.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to building control networks, credential theft, and potential lateral movement to other systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are isolated in segmented networks with strong access controls and monitoring.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires network access to affected devices and knowledge of the weak encryption mechanism.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Contact Siemens for specific firmware updates
Vendor Advisory: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-615116.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review Siemens advisory SSA-615116
2. Contact Siemens support for firmware updates
3. Schedule maintenance window for updates
4. Apply firmware updates to all affected devices
5. Verify encryption mechanisms are updated
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network segmentation
allIsolate affected devices in separate VLANs with strict firewall rules
Access control hardening
allImplement strong authentication and limit administrative access to trusted networks only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Segment affected devices in isolated networks with no internet access
- Implement network monitoring and intrusion detection for anomalous access patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device model and firmware version against Siemens advisory SSA-615116Check Version:
Consult device documentation or Siemens support for version checking commandsVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware has been updated to version provided by Siemens and test encryption functionality📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed authentication attempts
- Unusual administrative access patterns
- Configuration changes from unexpected sources
Network Indicators:
- Unusual BACnet or P2 Ethernet traffic patterns
- Connection attempts to building automation controllers from unauthorized networks
SIEM Query:
source_ip IN (building_automation_subnets) AND (protocol:BACnet OR protocol:P2) AND (event_type:auth_failure OR event_type:config_change)