CVE-2014-2258 in SIMATIC S7 Cpu-1211c
Summary
by MITRE
Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 CPU PLC devices with firmware before 4.0 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (defect-mode transition) via crafted HTTPS packets, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-2259.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 CPU PLC devices represent critical industrial control systems used extensively in manufacturing and automation environments where reliability and continuous operation are paramount. These programmable logic controllers are part of the broader Siemens industrial automation portfolio and serve as the brain for numerous industrial processes. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2258 specifically affects firmware versions prior to 4.0, indicating that this issue was present in the device's secure communication protocols and state management mechanisms. The affected devices operate within industrial networks where they control machinery, processes, and safety systems, making any disruption to their operation potentially catastrophic for production facilities.
The technical flaw in CVE-2014-2258 manifests through the improper handling of crafted HTTPS packets that can trigger a defect-mode transition within the PLC device. This vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically targeting the secure web server component that enables remote access and configuration of the PLC. When maliciously constructed HTTPS requests are sent to the device, they exploit a buffer overflow or input validation weakness in the web server implementation that processes these secure communications. The crafted packets are designed to cause the device to transition into a defect mode, which essentially places the PLC into a non-operational state where it cannot execute its control functions. This defect mode transition represents a fundamental failure in the device's error handling and state management protocols, as legitimate secure communication should not be able to cause such a critical operational failure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can compromise entire industrial processes that depend on continuous PLC operation. When a PLC enters defect mode, it typically cannot perform its intended control functions, potentially leading to production line shutdowns, safety system failures, or process disruptions that can cost organizations thousands of dollars in lost productivity. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from outside the industrial network perimeter, potentially through unsecured internet connections or compromised network devices. This remote exploit capability aligns with the broader ATT&CK framework's concept of remote service exploitation and represents a significant threat to industrial control system security. The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2014-2259 demonstrates that Siemens was aware of multiple related issues in their secure communication implementations, suggesting systemic problems in the web server component's design and implementation. Organizations using these PLC devices face substantial risk of operational disruption, with potential safety implications in environments where process control is critical.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2258 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to version 4.0 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the HTTPS packet handling vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit remote access to these devices, ensuring that only authorized personnel can interact with the PLC web interfaces. The implementation of network monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous HTTPS traffic patterns can help identify potential exploitation attempts before they succeed. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their industrial control systems to identify other potentially affected devices and implement layered security approaches that include intrusion detection systems and regular security audits. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing proper network security controls for industrial environments, as the CWE classification for this issue would likely include weaknesses related to improper input validation and inadequate error handling in network services.