CVE-2024-56181
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to bypass secure boot protections on Siemens industrial PCs by directly manipulating EFI variables through the flash controller. It affects numerous SIMATIC industrial PC models across multiple product lines. Attackers could compromise system integrity by altering boot configurations without proper authorization.
💻 Affected Systems
- SIMATIC Field PG M5
- SIMATIC IPC BX-21A
- SIMATIC IPC BX-32A
- SIMATIC IPC BX-39A
- SIMATIC IPC BX-59A
- SIMATIC IPC PX-32A
- SIMATIC IPC PX-39A
- SIMATIC IPC PX-39A PRO
- SIMATIC IPC RC-543A
- SIMATIC IPC RC-543B
- SIMATIC IPC RW-543A
- SIMATIC IPC RW-543B
- SIMATIC IPC127E
- SIMATIC IPC227E
- SIMATIC IPC227G
- SIMATIC IPC277E
- SIMATIC IPC277G
- SIMATIC IPC277G PRO
- SIMATIC IPC3000 SMART V3
- SIMATIC IPC327G
- SIMATIC IPC347G
- SIMATIC IPC377G
- SIMATIC IPC427E
- SIMATIC IPC477E
- SIMATIC IPC477E PRO
- SIMATIC IPC527G
- SIMATIC IPC627E
- SIMATIC IPC647E
- SIMATIC IPC677E
- SIMATIC IPC847E
- SIMATIC ITP1000
⚠️ 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 system compromise allowing persistent malware installation, bypassing secure boot protections, and establishing backdoors that survive OS reinstallation.
Likely Case
Unauthorized modification of boot settings leading to bootkits, privilege escalation, or disabling of security features.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring are in place to prevent unauthorized physical or network access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated access and knowledge of EFI/flash controller communication. Industrial control systems may have limited attack surface exposure.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Varies by product - see Siemens advisory for specific version requirements
Vendor Advisory: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-216014.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Siemens advisory for your specific product model. 2. Download appropriate firmware update from Siemens support portal. 3. Follow manufacturer's firmware update procedures. 4. Verify successful update and secure boot configuration.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Physical and Network Access
allLimit access to affected devices to authorized personnel only through physical security and network segmentation
Enable Secure Boot Monitoring
allImplement monitoring for secure boot configuration changes and unauthorized access attempts
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and network segmentation to isolate affected devices
- Enable logging and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and boot configuration changes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device model and firmware version against Siemens advisory SSA-216014Check Version:
Check through device BIOS/UEFI interface or manufacturer-specific management toolsVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version meets minimum requirements specified in Siemens advisory and confirm secure boot is properly configured📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts to device management interfaces
- Changes to secure boot configuration
- Unexpected firmware/BIOS access logs
Network Indicators:
- Unauthorized network traffic to device management ports
- Unexpected remote management connections
SIEM Query:
Search for: (event_type="access_denied" OR event_type="authentication_failure") AND (target_device="SIMATIC_IPC" OR target_service="management_interface")