CVE-2024-54092 Overview
A critical authentication bypass vulnerability has been identified in multiple Siemens Industrial Edge devices and device kits. The vulnerability exists due to improper enforcement of user authentication on specific API endpoints when identity federation is used. This flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to circumvent authentication mechanisms and impersonate legitimate users, potentially gaining unauthorized access to industrial control systems and sensitive operational data.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can bypass authentication and impersonate legitimate users on affected Siemens Industrial Edge devices, potentially compromising industrial control system integrity and availability.
Affected Products
- Industrial Edge Device Kit - arm64 V1.17-V1.21 (versions prior to V1.20.2-1 or V1.21.1-1)
- Industrial Edge Device Kit - x86-64 V1.17-V1.21 (versions prior to V1.20.2-1 or V1.21.1-1)
- Industrial Edge Own Device (IEOD) (All versions < V1.21.1-1-a)
- Industrial Edge Virtual Device (All versions < V1.21.1-1-a)
- SCALANCE LPE9413 (6GK5998-3GS01-2AC2) (All versions < V2.1)
- SIMATIC IPC BX-39A Industrial Edge Device (All versions < V3.0)
- SIMATIC IPC BX-59A Industrial Edge Device (All versions < V3.0)
- SIMATIC IPC127E Industrial Edge Device (All versions < V3.0)
- SIMATIC IPC227E Industrial Edge Device (All versions < V3.0)
- SIMATIC IPC427E Industrial Edge Device (All versions < V3.0)
- SIMATIC IPC847E Industrial Edge Device (All versions < V3.0)
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-04-08 - CVE CVE-2024-54092 published to NVD
- 2025-07-08 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-54092
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-1390 (Weak Authentication), indicating a fundamental flaw in how the affected devices validate user identity. The weakness specifically manifests when identity federation is configured on the Industrial Edge devices. In this scenario, certain API endpoints fail to properly enforce authentication requirements, creating a pathway for unauthorized access.
The vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial environments where these devices serve as edge computing platforms for operational technology (OT) networks. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to access industrial control functions, modify device configurations, or pivot deeper into critical infrastructure networks.
Root Cause
The root cause stems from insufficient authentication enforcement on specific API endpoints when identity federation is enabled or has been previously configured. The affected devices do not properly validate that incoming requests originate from authenticated users when processing API calls through federated identity pathways. This implementation gap allows attackers who know the identity of a legitimate user to craft requests that bypass normal authentication checks.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires no privileges or user interaction. An attacker must meet two prerequisites for successful exploitation:
- Identity federation must be currently enabled or must have been previously used on the target device
- The attacker must have learned the identity of a legitimate user on the system
With these conditions met, an attacker can send specially crafted requests to vulnerable API endpoints from a remote network location. The requests can bypass authentication mechanisms and be processed as if they originated from the legitimate user whose identity was learned. This effectively allows the attacker to impersonate authorized users and perform actions on their behalf, including administrative functions if the impersonated user has elevated privileges.
The authentication bypass mechanism involves exploiting the trust relationship established during identity federation without properly validating the federation token or session state.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-54092
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual API requests to Industrial Edge devices from unexpected network locations or IP addresses
- Authentication logs showing successful logins without corresponding identity provider authentication events
- Anomalous user session activity patterns that don't align with normal operational schedules
- Multiple API calls originating from different network locations for the same user within short timeframes
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Industrial Edge device API access logs for authentication anomalies, particularly requests that bypass identity provider validation
- Implement network traffic analysis to detect unusual access patterns to edge device management interfaces
- Configure SIEM rules to correlate authentication events between identity providers and Industrial Edge devices
- Deploy intrusion detection systems with signatures for anomalous authentication bypass attempts on OT network segments
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive audit logging on all affected Industrial Edge devices and forward logs to centralized security monitoring
- Implement real-time alerting for any administrative actions performed on edge devices
- Monitor identity federation logs for discrepancies between provider-side and device-side authentication records
- Establish baseline behavior for legitimate user activity and alert on deviations
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-54092
Immediate Actions Required
- Review all identity federation configurations on affected devices and disable if not operationally required
- Implement network segmentation to restrict access to Industrial Edge device management interfaces
- Audit user accounts to identify and remove any unnecessary or stale accounts that could be targeted
- Apply Siemens security patches immediately where available for affected device versions
Patch Information
Siemens has released security patches to address this vulnerability. Organizations should update affected devices to the following fixed versions:
- Industrial Edge Device Kit (arm64/x86-64): Update to V1.20.2-1 or V1.21.1-1 or later
- Industrial Edge Own Device (IEOD): Update to V1.21.1-1-a or later
- Industrial Edge Virtual Device: Update to V1.21.1-1-a or later
- SCALANCE LPE9413: Update to V2.1 or later
- SIMATIC IPC Industrial Edge Devices (BX-39A, BX-59A, IPC127E, IPC227E, IPC427E, IPC847E): Update to V3.0 or later
Detailed patch information is available in the Siemens Security Advisory SSA-634640 and Siemens Security Advisory SSA-819629.
Workarounds
- Disable identity federation features if not required for operational purposes until patches can be applied
- Implement strict network access controls limiting connectivity to edge device management interfaces to authorized administrative workstations only
- Enable multi-factor authentication where supported to add additional verification layers
- Consider using VPN or other secure tunneling for all remote management access to affected devices
# Network segmentation example - restrict access to edge device management ports
# Apply appropriate firewall rules to limit access to management interfaces
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s <authorized_admin_network> -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
