CVE-2020-15796 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC ET 200SP Open Controller (incl. SIPLUS variants) (V20.8) and SIMATIC S7-1500 Software Controller (V20.8) that could lead to a denial-of-service condition.

Understanding CVE-2020-15796

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Siemens products that could be exploited by a remote attacker to trigger a denial-of-service condition.

What is CVE-2020-15796?

The vulnerability in SIMATIC ET 200SP Open Controller and SIMATIC S7-1500 Software Controller allows a remote attacker to cause a denial-of-service by sending a specially crafted HTTP request.

The Impact of CVE-2020-15796

The vulnerability could result in a denial-of-service condition, disrupting the normal operation of the affected products and potentially causing downtime.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-15796

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The web server of the affected products contains a vulnerability that can be exploited by a remote attacker to trigger a denial-of-service condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: SIMATIC ET 200SP Open Controller (incl. SIPLUS variants)
Vendor: Siemens
Version: V20.8
Product: SIMATIC S7-1500 Software Controller
Vendor: Siemens
Version: V20.8

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by sending a specially crafted HTTP request to the web server of the affected products.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the recommended patches provided by Siemens to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that could indicate an exploitation attempt.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and firmware to prevent vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Siemens for the affected products.
Promptly apply patches to ensure the security of the systems.