type: attack-pattern
spec_version: 2.1
id: attack-pattern--2aa406ed-81c3-4c1d-ba83-cfbee5a2847a
created: 2020-05-21T17:43:26.506Z
created_by_ref: identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5
revoked: no
external_references: source_name: mitre-attack
url: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T0868
external_id: T0868
source_name: Machine Information Systems 2007
description: Machine Information Systems 2007 How PLCs Work Retrieved. 2021/01/28 
url: http://www.machine-information-systems.com/How_PLCs_Work.html
source_name: N.A. October 2017
description: N.A. 2017, October What are the different operating modes in PLC? Retrieved. 2021/01/28 
url: https://forumautomation.com/t/what-are-the-different-operating-modes-in-plc/2489
source_name: Omron
description: Omron Machine Information Systems 2007 How PLCs Work Retrieved. 2021/01/28 PLC Different Operating Modes Retrieved. 2021/01/28 
url: https://www.omron-ap.com/service_support/FAQ/FAQ00002/index.asp#:~:text=In%20PROGRAM%20mode%2C%20the%20CPU,can%20be%20created%20or%20modified.
source_name: PLCgurus 2021
description: PLCgurus 2021 PLC Basics Modes Of Operation Retrieved. 2021/01/28 
url: https://www.plcgurus.net/plc-basics/
object_marking_refs: marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168
modified: 2025-04-16T21:26:11.972Z
name: Detect Operating Mode
description: Adversaries may gather information about a PLCs or controllers current operating mode. Operating modes dictate what change or maintenance functions can be manipulated and are often controlled by a key switch on the PLC (e.g., run, prog [program], and remote). Knowledge of these states may be valuable to an adversary to determine if they are able to reprogram the PLC. Operating modes and the mechanisms by which they are selected often vary by vendor and product line. Some commonly implemented operating modes are described below: 

* Program - This mode must be enabled before changes can be made to a devices program. This allows program uploads and downloads between the device and an engineering workstation. Often the PLCs logic Is halted, and all outputs may be forced off. (Citation: N.A. October 2017) 
* Run - Execution of the devices program occurs in this mode. Input and output (values, points, tags, elements, etc.) are monitored and used according to the programs logic.[Program Upload](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T0845) and [Program Download](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T0843) are disabled while in this mode. (Citation: Omron) (Citation: Machine Information Systems 2007) (Citation: N.A. October 2017) (Citation: PLCgurus 2021) 
* Remote - Allows for remote changes to a PLCs operation mode. (Citation: PLCgurus 2021) 
* Stop - The PLC and program is stopped, while in this mode, outputs are forced off. (Citation: Machine Information Systems 2007) 
* Reset - Conditions on the PLC are reset to their original states. Warm resets may retain some memory while cold resets will reset all I/O and data registers. (Citation: Machine Information Systems 2007) 
* Test / Monitor mode - Similar to run mode, I/O is processed, although this mode allows for monitoring, force set, resets, and more generally tuning or debugging of the system. Often monitor mode may be used as a trial for initialization. (Citation: Omron)
kill_chain_phases: kill_chain_name: mitre-ics-attack
phase_name: collection
x_mitre_attack_spec_version: 3.2.0
x_mitre_deprecated: no
x_mitre_domains: ics-attack
x_mitre_is_subtechnique: no
x_mitre_modified_by_ref: identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5
x_mitre_platforms: None
x_mitre_version: 1.0