t0845-program-upload

name	T0845_program-upload
description	Adversaries may attempt to upload a program from a PLC to gather information about an industrial process.
category	information-gathering
version	18.1
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["mitre-attack","ics","t0845","collection"]
technique_id	T0845
tactic	collection
all_tactics	["collection"]
platforms	["ICS"]
mitre_url	https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T0845
tech_stack	["ics"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-200"]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

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.