CVE-2014-2250 in SIMATIC S7 Cpu-1211c
Summary
by MITRE
The random-number generator on Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 CPU PLC devices with firmware before 4.0 does not have sufficient entropy, which makes it easier for remote attackers to defeat cryptographic protection mechanisms and hijack sessions via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-2251.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2250 affects Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 CPU programmable logic controllers operating with firmware versions prior to 4.0, representing a critical weakness in the device's cryptographic security infrastructure. This flaw specifically targets the random-number generator implementation within the PLC's firmware, which serves as a fundamental component for generating cryptographic keys, session identifiers, and other security-related values. The insufficient entropy in the random number generation process creates predictable patterns that can be exploited by remote attackers to compromise the device's security mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the inadequate entropy sources used in the random-number generator algorithm, which fails to meet minimum cryptographic security requirements. According to CWE-330, this represents a weakness in entropy sources that directly impacts the quality of random number generation. The vulnerability allows attackers to predict or reproduce the sequence of random numbers generated by the PLC, which compromises the security of cryptographic operations that depend on these values. This weakness enables attackers to potentially bypass authentication mechanisms, decrypt communications, or manipulate session identifiers to gain unauthorized access to the industrial control system.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2250 extends beyond simple cryptographic weakness, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of industrial control systems that rely on these PLC devices for critical operations. The vulnerability enables remote exploitation through unspecified attack vectors that could allow an attacker to hijack sessions or defeat cryptographic protections without requiring physical access to the device. This creates a significant risk for operational technology environments where PLCs control industrial processes, manufacturing equipment, or critical infrastructure. The implications align with ATT&CK technique T1583.001, which involves developing capabilities for cryptographic operations that can be used to compromise system integrity and confidentiality.
Organizations utilizing Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 PLCs with affected firmware versions face substantial risk of unauthorized access and potential operational disruption. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to perform advanced persistent threats against industrial control systems, potentially leading to process manipulation, data compromise, or system degradation. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of industrial cybersecurity frameworks such as ICS-CERT recommendations and NIST SP 800-82 guidelines for protecting industrial control systems. The lack of sufficient entropy in cryptographic implementations represents a fundamental security flaw that requires immediate remediation through firmware updates to version 4.0 or later, along with network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.