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OT Protocols: Modbus

In this lab you'll build a virtual PLC and SCADA environment, and use it to analyze the Modbus protocol. When you're finished, you'll have a solid understanding of how the Modbus protocol is structured, and how to identify certain suspicious packets.

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Lab Info
Rating
(62)
Level
Beginner
Last updated
Jul 30, 2025
Duration
1h 25m

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Table of Contents
  1. Challenge

    Getting Started in the Lab Environment

    Here are the initial instructions and explanation of the lab environment. Read this while your environment is busy creating itself from nothing. Yes, this violates physics; we know. Have fun!

  2. Challenge

    Build an OT Protocols Analysis Lab

    Use the free and open source tools OpenPLC and Scada-LTS to build a virtual OT environment that will allow you to capture and analyze Modbus network traffic.

  3. Challenge

    Analyse Modbus Traffic

    Capture and analyze traffic between a PLC and SCADA device to understand the structure and format of the Modbus protocol.

  4. Challenge

    Identify OT Reconnaissance Traffic

    Simulate OT reconnaissance techniques and analyze captured packets to identify how they stand out from baseline Modbus traffic.

  5. Challenge

    Perform Packet Injection

    Exploit a lack of authentication in the Modbus to inject packets to enumerate and manipulate an OT system.

  6. Challenge

    The Last Challenge

    Welcome to the final challenge! This is your last chance to experiment in the environment. Clicking Finish Lab will end this little world that flittered into existence just for you.

About the author

Matt has a degree in Chemical engineering and a PhD in mathematical chemistry. He is also a GIAC certified incident handler and penetration tester and has regulated cyber security in the UK civil nuclear sector for many years.

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