CVE-2014-2248 in SIMATIC S7-1500 Cpu
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in the integrated web server on Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 CPU PLC devices with firmware before 1.5.0 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via unspecified vectors.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The CVE-2014-2248 vulnerability represents a critical open redirect flaw within the integrated web server of Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 CPU programmable logic controllers. This vulnerability exists in firmware versions prior to 1.5.0 and exposes industrial control systems to sophisticated social engineering attacks. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate web server redirection behavior, potentially directing users to malicious websites that could facilitate phishing operations. The affected devices operate within industrial environments where cybersecurity is paramount, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for critical infrastructure protection.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-601 category of URL Redirection to Untrusted Site, which is classified as a significant security weakness in web applications. The technical implementation flaw occurs within the web server component of the PLC firmware, where input validation mechanisms fail to properly sanitize user-supplied URL parameters. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs that contain redirect parameters, which when processed by the vulnerable web server, cause legitimate user sessions to be redirected to attacker-controlled domains. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple web browsing as it can compromise the integrity of industrial control system interfaces where operators interact with critical processes.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for industrial environments that rely on Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 PLCs for process control and automation. Remote attackers could leverage this weakness to conduct targeted phishing campaigns against system operators, potentially gaining unauthorized access to industrial control interfaces or stealing credentials used for system administration. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no specialized knowledge of industrial protocols or deep system understanding, making it accessible to attackers with basic web application exploitation skills. This vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent access to industrial control systems, potentially leading to operational disruptions or safety hazards in critical infrastructure environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2248 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to version 1.5.0 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the open redirect vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected PLC web interfaces, limiting exposure to unauthorized users. Additionally, organizations should implement web application firewalls and monitor network traffic for suspicious redirect patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Phishing, where attackers use web-based social engineering to compromise systems. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential weaknesses in industrial control system environments, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of securing all components within industrial networks, not just the primary control systems.