— For supported controllers (CompactLogix 5380, ControlLogix 5580/5590, GuardLogix variants), lock components so they exist only as encrypted executable code on controllers
— Where available, migrate from Source Key protection (which stores unencrypted keys) to CodeMeter-based License Protection with hardware tokens (CmStick/CmCard)
Industrial automation systems rely heavily on intellectual property embedded within Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) code. Within the Rockwell Automation ecosystem, RSLogix 5000 and Studio 5000 Logix Designer utilize a feature known as Source Protection to secure specific Add-On Instructions (AOIs) and routines. rslogix 5000 source protection decryption tool
Source protection is a security feature designed to safeguard proprietary algorithms, trade secrets, and critical logic from unauthorized viewing or modification. How It Works
When a user double-clicks a protected routine, a dialog box appears requesting the password. Without it, the logic is invisible. How It Works When a user double-clicks a
# Decrypt the code decrypted_code = base64.b64decode(encrypted_code) decrypted_code = bytes([x ^ y for x, y in zip(decrypted_code, hashed_key * (len(decrypted_code) // len(hashed_key) + 1))])
Right-click the protected item in RSLogix 5000 and click "Export" to create a .L5X file. Edit: Open the file in a text editor (like Notepad++). Edit: Open the file in a text editor (like Notepad++)
If an engineer attempts to open a routine on a machine without the exact sk.dat file containing that specific key, the routine icon appears "grayed out". RSLogix throws a "No permission to access or modify source protected object" error, blocking all editing or viewing. The Need for Decryption and Key Recovery