SOP for the 'Log4j' Scenario in OT Environments

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Scenario: Log4j Vulnerability (Log4Shell - CVE-2021-44228) in OT Sites!

Threat Type: Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability in Log4j
Impact:

  • Affects Java-based OT applications, HMIs, and SCADA systems
  • Allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely
  • Can lead to data exfiltration, ransomware attacks, system manipulation

THREAT DETECTION & IDENTIFICATION

Step 1: Identify Vulnerable OT Assets

  • Use vulnerability scanners to check OT systems using Log4j
  • Identify Java-based OT applications that may be affected
  • Monitor IDS/IPS for Log4j exploit attempts

Step 2: Detect Exploitation Attempts

  • Check logs for suspicious JNDI LDAP/HTTP requests
  • Analyze SIEM alerts & firewall logs for abnormal outbound traffic
  • Isolate any systems showing unexpected remote command execution

INCIDENT RESPONSE (IMMEDIATE ACTIONS)

Step 3: Contain & Isolate

  • Block external connections from compromised OT systems
  • Disable outbound connections from Java applications that don’t require them
  • Restrict JNDI lookups in Log4j configurations

Step 4: Activate Incident Response Plan

  • Notify OT Security Team & Incident Response Team
  • Escalate to CIRT (Cyber Incident Response Team)
  • Validate network segmentation to prevent lateral movement

THREAT MITIGATION & NEUTRALIZATION

Step 5: Patch & Mitigate Vulnerability

  • Apply Log4j patch (Upgrade to Log4j 2.17.1 or later)
  • If patching is not possible, implement mitigation:
    ✔ Remove JndiLookup.class from Log4j library
    ✔ Set LOG4J_FORMAT_MSG_NO_LOOKUPS=true
    ✔ Restrict egress traffic to limit remote exploitability

Step 6: Remove Exploit Artifacts & Malware

  • Scan for backdoors, web shells, or unauthorized changes
  • Remove malicious payloads and restore system integrity
  • Conduct forensic analysis on potentially compromised systems

SYSTEM RECOVERY & HARDENING

Step 7: Restore & Validate Systems

  • Recover affected OT assets from clean backups
  • Revalidate SCADA, HMI, and ICS configurations
  • Conduct penetration testing to ensure no active exploitation remains

Step 8: Conduct Post-Incident Forensic Analysis

  • Analyze logs from SIEM, IDS, and firewalls to determine attack vector
  • Identify initial exploitation point (external access, insider threat, supply chain attack, etc.)

Step 9: Implement Preventive Measures

  • Apply all Log4j-related patches and security updates
  • Restrict OT network outbound connections unless explicitly needed
  • Enforce application whitelisting & Java runtime restrictions
  • Conduct cybersecurity training for OT personnel on supply chain & software vulnerabilities

Recap

  • Log4j is a critical RCE vulnerability—patching and immediate response is crucial.
  • Attackers may use Log4j exploits to install backdoors, so full forensic analysis is needed.
  • Network segmentation & access controls should prevent unauthorized remote exploitation.

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

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