CVE-2024-56182
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to bypass BIOS password protection on affected Siemens industrial PCs by directly communicating with the flash controller. It affects multiple SIMATIC industrial PC models with insufficient EFI variable protection mechanisms. Attackers with physical or remote authenticated access can disable BIOS security controls.
💻 Affected Systems
- SIMATIC Field PG M5
- SIMATIC Field PG M6
- 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
Attackers could disable BIOS passwords, modify boot settings, install persistent malware in firmware, bypass secure boot, and gain complete control over industrial control systems.
Likely Case
Malicious insiders or compromised accounts could disable BIOS security to install backdoors or bypass security controls on industrial PCs.
If Mitigated
With proper physical security, strong authentication, and network segmentation, impact is limited to authorized users who would need physical access or existing credentials.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated access and knowledge of EFI variable manipulation. Likely requires physical access or remote management access to the device.
🛠️ 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 device model. 2. Download appropriate firmware update from Siemens support portal. 3. Apply firmware update following Siemens instructions. 4. Reboot device. 5. Verify BIOS password protection is functioning.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Physical Security Controls
allRestrict physical access to affected devices to prevent local exploitation
Network Segmentation
allIsolate affected industrial PCs in separate network segments with strict access controls
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict physical security controls and access monitoring
- Enable BIOS password and secure boot, though these may be bypassable via this vulnerability
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device model and firmware version against Siemens advisory. Use Siemens automation tools or BIOS setup to check firmware version.Check Version:
Device-specific - typically through BIOS setup or Siemens automation management toolsVerify Fix Applied:
After patching, verify firmware version matches patched version in advisory. Test BIOS password functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- BIOS password reset events
- Unexpected firmware access attempts
- Unauthorized BIOS configuration changes
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected connections to device management interfaces
- Traffic to/from industrial PCs outside normal patterns
SIEM Query:
Search for: (event_category="BIOS" OR event_category="firmware") AND (action="password_reset" OR action="configuration_change")