t0821-modify-controller-tasking

name	T0821_modify-controller-tasking
description	Adversaries may modify the tasking of a controller to allow for the execution of their own programs.
category	input-validation
version	18.1
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["mitre-attack","ics","t0821","execution"]
technique_id	T0821
tactic	execution
all_tactics	["execution"]
platforms	["ICS"]
mitre_url	https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T0821
tech_stack	["ics"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-94"]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

T0821 Modify Controller Tasking

High-Level Description

Adversaries may modify the tasking of a controller to allow for the execution of their own programs. This can allow an adversary to manipulate the execution flow and behavior of a controller.

According to 61131-3, the association of a Task with a Program Organization Unit (POU) defines a task association. An adversary may modify these associations or create new ones to manipulate the execution flow of a controller. Modification of controller tasking can be accomplished using a Program Download in addition to other types of program modification such as online edit and program append.

Tasks have properties, such as interval, frequency and priority to meet the requirements of program execution. Some controller vendors implement tasks with implicit, pre-defined properties whereas others allow for these properties to be formulated explicitly. An adversary may associate their program with tasks that have a higher priority or execute associated programs more frequently. For instance, to ensure cyclic execution of their program on a Siemens controller, an adversary may add their program to the task, Organization Block 1 (OB1).

Kill Chain Phase

• Execution (TA0104)

Platforms: ICS

What to Check

• Identify if Modify Controller Tasking technique is applicable to target ICS environment
• Check ICS/SCADA systems for indicators of Modify Controller Tasking
• Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (4 known mitigations)
• Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

How to Test

Identify Attack Surface

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

Assess Existing Defenses

Review whether mitigations for T0821 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable in the ICS environment.

Remediation Guide

M0800 Authorization Enforcement

All field controllers should restrict the modification of controller tasks to only certain users (e.g., engineers, field technician), preferably through implementing a role-based access mechanism.

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.