Adversaries may setup a rogue master to leverage control server functions to communicate with outstations. A rogue master can be used to send legitimate control messages to other control system devices, affecting processes in unintended ways. It may also be used to disrupt network communications by capturing and receiving the network traffic meant for the actual master. Impersonating a master may also allow an adversary to avoid detection.
In the case of the 2017 Dallas Siren incident, adversaries used a rogue master to send command messages to the 156 distributed sirens across the city, either through a single rogue transmitter with a strong signal, or using many distributed repeaters. [1] [2]
ID | Name | Description |
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C0020 | Maroochy Water Breach |
In the Maroochy Water Breach, the adversary falsified network addresses in order to send false data and instructions to pumping stations.[3] |
ID | Mitigation | Description |
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M0802 | Communication Authenticity |
Protocols used for control functions should provide authenticity through MAC functions or digital signatures. If not, utilize bump-in-the-wire devices or VPNs to enforce communication authenticity between devices that are not capable of supporting this (e.g., legacy controllers, RTUs). |
M0937 | Filter Network Traffic |
Perform inline allowlisting of automation protocol commands to prevent devices from sending unauthorized command or reporting messages. Allow/denylist techniques need to be designed with sufficient accuracy to prevent the unintended blocking of valid reporting messages. |
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. [4] |
M0930 | Network Segmentation |
Segment operational assets and their management devices based on their functional role within the process. Enabling more strict isolation to more critical control and operational information within the control environment. [5] [6] [4] [7] |
M0813 | Software Process and Device Authentication |
Devices should authenticate all messages between master and outstation assets. |
ID | Data Source | Data Component | Detects |
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DS0015 | Application Log | Application Log Content |
Monitor for new master devices communicating with outstation assets, which may be visible in asset application logs. |
DS0039 | Asset | Asset Inventory |
Consult asset management systems which may help with the detection of computer systems or network devices that should not exist on a network. |
DS0029 | Network Traffic | Network Traffic Content |
Monitor for unexpected ICS protocol functions from new and existing devices. Monitoring known devices requires ICS function level insight to determine if an unauthorized device is issuing commands (e.g., a historian). |
Network Traffic Flow |
Monitor for network traffic originating from unknown/unexpected devices or addresses. Local network traffic metadata could be used to identify unexpected connections, including unknown/unexpected source MAC addresses connecting to ports associated with operational protocols. Also, network management protocols such as DHCP and ARP may be helpful in identifying unexpected devices. |
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DS0040 | Operational Databases | Device Alarm |
Monitor for new master devices communicating with outstations, which may be visible in alarms within the ICS environment. |