T0845_program-upload

DevOps & Security

Adversaries may attempt to upload a program from a PLC to gather information about an industrial process.

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T0845 Program Upload

High-Level Description

Adversaries may attempt to upload a program from a PLC to gather information about an industrial process. Uploading a program may allow them to acquire and study the underlying logic. Methods of program upload include vendor software, which enables the user to upload and read a program running on a PLC. This software can be used to upload the target program to a workstation, jump box, or an interfacing device.

Kill Chain Phase

Collection (TA0100)

Platforms: ICS

What to Check

Identify if Program Upload technique is applicable to target ICS environment
Check ICS/SCADA systems for indicators of Program Upload
Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (8 known mitigations)
Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

How to Test

Identify Attack Surface

Determine if the target ICS/SCADA environment is susceptible to Program Upload by examining operational technology systems and network architecture.

Assess Existing Defenses

Review whether mitigations for T0845 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable in the ICS environment.

Remediation Guide

M0813 Software Process and Device Authentication

Authenticate connections from software and devices to prevent unauthorized systems from accessing protected management functions.

M0802 Communication Authenticity

Protocols used for device management should authenticate all network messages to prevent unauthorized system changes.

M0800 Authorization Enforcement

All field controllers should restrict program uploads to only certain users (e.g., engineers, field technician), preferably through implementing a role-based access mechanism.

M0801 Access Management

Authenticate all access to field controllers before authorizing access to, or modification of, a device's state, logic, or programs. Centralized authentication techniques can help manage the large number of field controller accounts needed across the ICS.

M0930 Network Segmentation

Segment operational network and systems to restrict access to critical system functions to predetermined management systems.

M0937 Filter Network Traffic

Filter for protocols and payloads associated with program upload activity to prevent unauthorized access to device configurations.

M0807 Network Allowlists

Use host-based allowlists to prevent devices from accepting connections from unauthorized systems. For example, allowlists can be used to ensure devices can only connect with master stations or known management/engineering workstations.

M0804 Human User Authentication

All field controllers should require users to authenticate for all remote or local management sessions. The authentication mechanisms should also support Account Use Policies, Password Policies, and User Account Management.

Detection

Detection of Program Upload

Risk Assessment

Finding	Severity	Impact
Program Upload technique applicable	Low	Collection

CWE Categories

CWE ID	Title
CWE-200	Exposure of Sensitive Information

References

MITRE ATT&CK ICS - T0845