Let's Create an OPC Test Environment: Virtual Setup, Simulators and Wireshark Analysis Fun!

-

 

Let's create an OPC test environment: Virtual setup, Simulators and Wireshark analysis fun!

OPC (OLE for Process Control) is a crucial protocol in Industrial Control Systems (ICS) for real-time data exchange between SCADA, PLCs, and HMIs. Setting up an OPC test environment helps in security testing, troubleshooting, and protocol analysis.

1. Virtual Environment for OPC Testing

To create a controlled OPC test environment, you need a virtualized lab setup that mimics an ICS network.

Best Virtualization Tools:

  • VMware Workstation / VirtualBox – Run multiple ICS components virtually.

  • Docker – Containerize OPC servers/clients for lightweight testing.

  • EVE-NG / GNS3 – Simulate industrial network topologies.

  • Proxmox – For high-performance hypervisor-based testing.

Recommended Virtual Lab Setup:

  1. Windows VM → Install OPC Server & OPC Client (e.g., Matrikon OPC Server).

  2. Ubuntu VM → Use an OPC UA Client like UaExpert for testing.

  3. Kali Linux / Security Onion → For network monitoring & OPC traffic analysis.

  4. Simulated PLCs → Use PLCSim / OpenPLC / Factory I/O.

  5. Wireshark → To capture and analyze OPC traffic.

2. OPC Simulator Tools for Testing

To avoid using real industrial equipment, OPC simulators provide virtual OPC servers and clients for testing.

Best OPC Simulators:

ToolOPC TypeUse Case
Matrikon OPC Simulation ServerOPC DA & UASimulates an OPC server with real-time data.
Prosys OPC UA Simulation ServerOPC UAGood for security testing and protocol validation.
UaExpert (Unified Automation)OPC UAActs as an OPC UA client for testing.
Kepware KEPServerEXOPC UA & DAIndustrial-grade OPC server with various protocols.
Open62541OPC UAOpen-source OPC UA stack for development.
Softing OPC Demo ServerOPC DAQuick OPC DA simulation for training.

How to Use an OPC Simulator?

  1. Install Matrikon OPC Server on Windows.

  2. Run UaExpert on another VM to connect as a client.

  3. Simulate industrial data (temperature, pressure, flow rate).

  4. Capture and analyze OPC communication with Wireshark.

3. Analyzing OPC Communication PCAP with Wireshark – The Fun Part!

Wireshark allows you to see live OPC traffic, spot security issues, and reverse-engineer communication patterns.

Fun OPC Analysis Scenarios in Wireshark:

1. Decoding OPC UA Traffic

  • Apply the Wireshark filter: opcua

  • See OPC UA Service Calls, session initiation, and subscriptions.

  • Identify unsecure connections (e.g., plaintext messages).

2. Finding Security Weaknesses in OPC Traffic

  • Search for unencrypted credentials in OPC DA traffic.

  • Detect unauthorized OPC requests from unknown sources.

  • Look for excessive read/write operations (possible DoS attack).

3. Reverse-Engineering OPC Commands

  • Capture a PCAP of OPC traffic when an operator changes a setpoint.

  • Analyze the OPC Read/Write messages to understand control commands.

  • Identify potential tampering or replay attack vectors.

4. Simulating a Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attack

  • Use Wireshark + MITMproxy to alter OPC messages in real-time.

  • Inject false process values and observe how the HMI reacts.

  • Simulate rogue OPC clients attempting to manipulate PLCs.

Summary: Have Fun and Learn OPC Security!

Setting up an OPC test environment allows you to:

  • Simulate industrial automation protocols without real PLCs.
  • Use OPC simulators like Matrikon, Kepware, and UaExpert.
  • Analyze live OPC traffic in Wireshark and discover vulnerabilities.


#CPS #OT #XIoT #IoT #IIoT #IoMT #CPSSecurity #OTSecurity #IoTSecurity #CPS보안 #OT보안 #IoT보안

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Don't confuse DCS, PLC and SCADA in front of OT specialists

-
Image
DCS, PLC and SCADA are not the same. If you keep talking only about PLC security in front of the Oil&Gas industry executives where DCS is the main focus, they will not recognize you as a proper expert. We need to understand the characteristics of OT systems such as DCS, PLC, and SCADA accurately, also respect each OT culture uniquely and finally approach the sites in the right way. Don't be confused, here’s a clear and accurate explanation of DCS, PLC, and SCADA . 1. Distributed Control System (DCS) Concept A DCS (Distributed Control System) is an automated control system used for large-scale industrial processes that require continuous operation and high reliability. It consists of multiple controllers distributed throughout the system, which communicate with each other to manage complex processes. Key Features Used in large-scale, continuous processes (e.g., oil refineries, power plants). Decentralized control architecture with multiple controllers working together. Pr...
Read more

Top 20 Threat Scenarios & Playbooks for OT Security

-
Image
A comprehensive list of 20 threat scenarios in OT security along with detailed descriptions and detection rules that can help identify and respond to these threats. This playbook-style table covers different types of attacks—from unauthorized access to insider abuse—with corresponding rules and indicators to alert security teams. # Threat Scenario Detailed Description Detection Rules & Indicators 1 Unauthorized Remote Access Attempt An attacker uses stolen or weak credentials to access OT networks remotely. - Log Analysis: Monitor VPN/RDP logs for unusual login times, geolocation mismatches, and failed/successful login bursts. - User Behavior Analytics (UBA): Alert on deviations from normal remote access patterns. - Anomaly Detection: Trigger an alert when a remote session is initiated from an unusual IP or geographic region. 2 Malware/Ransomware Infiltration in OT Network Malicious code is introduced into the OT network via compromised endpoints or phishing, potentially encr...
Read more

Let's create our own ICS Labs in the VMs!

-
Image
Let's create our own ICS Labs in the VMs: A Step-by-Step Guide Building an Industrial Control System (ICS) lab in a virtualized environment allows security researchers, engineers, and penetration testers to safely simulate industrial networks, study threats, and test security defenses. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to creating an ICS lab , including HMI, EWS, PLC, and other critical components. 1. Lab Architecture Overview Key Components in an ICS Lab: HMI: Graphical interface for controlling industrial processes. Engineering Workstation (EWS): Used to configure PLCs and SCADA systems. PLC: Controls physical processes (e.g., motors, valves). SCADA System: Supervisory control and monitoring of ICS networks. Historian: Logs and stores process data for analysis. Networking Components: Virtualized switches, routers, and firewalls to segment ICS networks. Attacker Machine: Kali Linux or Metasploit for penetration testing. 2. Choosing the Virtualization ...
Read more