CVE-2025-40759
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Siemens TIA Portal and related software allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting improper sanitization of security properties in project files. It affects multiple Siemens industrial automation products including SIMATIC STEP 7, WinCC, and TIA Portal Cloud. Attackers could compromise engineering workstations and potentially industrial control systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM V17
- SIMATIC STEP 7 V17/V18/V19/V20
- SIMATIC WinCC V17/V18/V19/V20
- SIMOCODE ES V17/V18/V19/V20
- SIMOTION SCOUT TIA V5.4/V5.5/V5.6/V5.7
- SINAMICS Startdrive V17/V18/V19/V20
- SIRIUS Safety ES V17/V18/V19/V20
- SIRIUS Soft Starter ES V17/V18/V19/V20
- TIA Portal Cloud V17/V18/V19/V20
⚠️ 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 engineering workstations leading to unauthorized code execution, potential lateral movement to PLCs and industrial networks, and disruption of industrial processes.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation on engineering workstations, unauthorized access to project files, and potential manipulation of industrial control logic.
If Mitigated
Limited to isolated engineering workstations with proper network segmentation and file validation controls.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires attacker to craft malicious project file and convince user to open it. No authentication bypass needed if user opens file.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: V17 Update 9, V19 Update 4, V20 Update 4, TIA Portal Cloud V5.2.1.1, TIA Portal Cloud V5.2.2.2, SIMOTION SCOUT TIA V5.6 SP1 HF7
Vendor Advisory: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-493396.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download appropriate updates from Siemens Industry Online Support. 2. Backup existing projects. 3. Install updates following Siemens documentation. 4. Restart affected systems. 5. Verify installation through version checks.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Project File Validation
windowsImplement strict validation of project files before opening in TIA Portal
Application Whitelisting
windowsRestrict execution of TIA Portal and related software to authorized systems only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate engineering workstations from production networks
- Enforce policies requiring digital signatures and validation of all project files before opening
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check installed versions against affected version list in Siemens advisory SSA-493396Check Version:
Check version in TIA Portal: Help → About TIA Portal or check Windows Programs and FeaturesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version matches or exceeds patched versions listed in fix_official section📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected project file access
- TIA Portal crash logs
- Unusual process execution from TIA Portal
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected file transfers to engineering workstations
- Network connections from TIA Portal to unusual destinations
SIEM Query:
Process creation where parent process contains 'TIA' or 'Portal' and child process is unusual