CVE-2021-33542

Phoenix Contact: Automation Worx Software Suite affected by Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability

Description

Phoenix Contact Classic Automation Worx Software Suite in Version 1.87 and below is affected by a remote code execution vulnerability. Manipulated PC Worx or Config+ projects could lead to a remote code execution when unallocated memory is freed because of incompletely initialized data. The attacker needs to get access to an original bus configuration file (*.bcp) to be able to manipulate data inside. After manipulation the attacker needs to exchange the original file by the manipulated one on the application programming workstation. Availability, integrity, or confidentiality of an application programming workstation might be compromised by attacks using these vulnerabilities. Automated systems in operation which were programmed with one of the above-mentioned products are not affected.

Remediation

Solution:

  • Temporary Fix / Mitigation We strongly recommend customers to exchange project files only using secure file exchange services. Project files should not be exchanged via unencrypted email. Remediation With the next version of Automationworx Software Suite the affected data will be initialized completely and thereby freeing of unallocated memory will be prevented.

Category

7.8
CVSS
Severity: High
CVSS 3.1 •
CVSS 2.0 •
EPSS 0.53%
Third-Party Advisory vde.com Third-Party Advisory zerodayinitiative.com
Affected: Phoenix Contact Automation Worx Software Suite
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2021-33542?
CVE-2021-33542 has been scored as a high severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2021-33542?
To fix CVE-2021-33542: Temporary Fix / Mitigation We strongly recommend customers to exchange project files only using secure file exchange services. Project files should not be exchanged via unencrypted email. Remediation With the next version of Automationworx Software Suite the affected data will be initialized completely and thereby freeing of unallocated memory will be prevented.
Is CVE-2021-33542 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2021-33542 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~1% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2021-33542?
CVE-2021-33542 affects Phoenix Contact Automation Worx Software Suite.
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