Penelope Iroko Table of Contents
If you rely on industrial automation systems, this December’s ICS Patch Tuesday security updates are critical. Companies like Siemens, Schneider Electric, and others have issued vital advisories addressing vulnerabilities in industrial control systems (ICS).
Meanwhile, CISA has also published guidance to help organizations defend against potential attacks.
Key Takeaway to December ICS Patch Tuesday:
Staying updated with ICS Patch Tuesday advisories can protect your systems from major vulnerabilities.
Major Security Advisories Released
Schneider Electric’s New Advisories
Schneider Electric published three advisories addressing various vulnerabilities:
| Advisory | Affected Product | Impact | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Flaw | Modicon Controllers | Allows unauthenticated disruption | Critical |
| High-Severity Issue | Harmony & Pro-face HMI Products | Control device with malicious code | High |
| Medium-Severity Bug | PowerChute UPS Software | Denial of Service (DoS) attack | Medium |
These flaws could give attackers significant control over systems, highlighting the importance of applying Schneider’s fixes or workarounds.
Siemens Tackles High-Severity Flaws
Siemens released 10 new advisories, including fixes for high-severity vulnerabilities. Key updates include:
- Ruggedcom ROX II Devices: A cross-site request forgery (CSRF) flaw lets attackers act on behalf of authenticated users through malicious links.
- Simatic S7 Products with TIA Portal: Two vulnerabilities allow arbitrary code execution.
- Teamcenter Visualization and Others: These flaws exploit users opening malicious files.
Additionally, Siemens addressed medium-severity vulnerabilities in products like Sentron Powercenter and Comos. Patches are available for many of these, while some offer mitigations instead of direct fixes.
Rockwell Automation’s Pre-Patch Tuesday Advisory
Rockwell warned about four high-severity vulnerabilities in Arena simulation software, which could lead to code execution if users open tampered files.
CISA’s Contribution
CISA has stepped up with seven new ICS advisories, covering vulnerabilities in Schneider, Rockwell, and others. Key highlights include:
- Horner Automation Cscape: Code execution vulnerabilities discovered by researcher Michael Heinzl.
- National Instruments’ LabVIEW: Security flaws enabling unauthorized access.
- MOBATIME Network Master Clock: Default credentials that expose devices to attack.
CISA also advises organizations to check third-party advisories like those from Siemens and Schneider Electric.
Visit CISA’s Website for the full list of advisories.
A Growing Concern: Phoenix Contact Updates
Germany-based Phoenix Contact issued advisories for vulnerabilities in their PLCnext firmware.
These flaws, spanning two years, affect third-party software integrated into their systems. Their effort to continuously patch such flaws reflects how ICS vendors are proactively addressing risks.
Real-Life Impact of ICS Vulnerabilities
In 2021, a similar flaw in an Oldsmar, Florida water treatment plant led to hackers remotely attempting to poison the water supply.
The attackers exploited ICS vulnerabilities to access controls remotely. Incidents like this underscore why ICS Patch Tuesday updates matter.
Why These Updates Matter
ICS vulnerabilities could disrupt critical infrastructure, from energy grids to manufacturing plants. Attackers exploit these flaws to cause downtime, steal data, or even sabotage operations. Regular patching is essential for minimizing risks and ensuring operational security.
About Siemens and Schneider Electric
- Siemens: A global leader in industrial automation and digitalization. Visit Siemens.
- Schneider Electric: Specializes in energy management and automation solutions. Learn more about Schneider Electric.
- CISA: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, a U.S. government body focused on securing critical systems. Visit CISA.
Rounding Up
The December ICS Patch Tuesday security updates bring critical fixes for vulnerabilities in industrial systems. Staying informed and applying these updates is your first line of defense against potential cyber threats.
Regular maintenance, robust cybersecurity practices, and awareness of threats like those in Siemens, Schneider, and CISA advisories are essential for protecting your infrastructure.
FAQs
What is ICS Patch Tuesday?
ICS Patch Tuesday is a monthly event where vendors like Siemens, Schneider Electric, and CISA release updates to address vulnerabilities in industrial systems.
Why should I care about these updates?
Unpatched ICS vulnerabilities can expose your infrastructure to cyberattacks, leading to operational disruption, data breaches, or worse.
How do I apply these patches?
Check your vendor’s advisories, such as those from Siemens or Schneider Electric, for instructions on downloading and applying updates.
What should I do if a patch isn’t available?
Implement mitigations and workarounds recommended by the vendor. Regularly monitor systems for unusual activity.
Can I automate patch management?
Yes, many tools are available to help automate patch deployment. However, critical updates may still require manual intervention.
Are these vulnerabilities widespread?
While some flaws target specific products, the potential impact can extend across industries relying on ICS technologies.
