CVE-2021-22768 in PowerLogic EGX100
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2021
A CWE-20: Improper Input Validation vulnerability exists in PowerLogic EGX100 (Versions 3.0.0 and newer) and PowerLogic EGX300 (All Versions) that could cause denial of service or remote code execution via a specially crafted HTTP packet.This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2021-22767
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-22768 represents a critical security flaw classified under CWE-20, which specifically addresses improper input validation within networked industrial control systems. This weakness affects PowerLogic EGX100 devices running firmware versions 3.0.0 and newer, as well as all versions of PowerLogic EGX300 devices. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of incoming HTTP requests, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted network packets. The affected devices operate within industrial environments where networked power monitoring and management systems are deployed, making them attractive targets for cyber adversaries seeking to disrupt critical infrastructure operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP packet structures sent to the affected devices. When these devices receive specially crafted HTTP requests, the improper input validation allows attackers to inject malicious data that can trigger unexpected behavior within the system's processing mechanisms. This flaw can potentially lead to two severe outcomes: denial of service conditions that render the monitoring equipment non-functional, or more critically, remote code execution capabilities that would allow attackers to gain unauthorized control over the affected systems. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple service disruption as it could enable attackers to manipulate power monitoring data or potentially compromise the broader industrial network infrastructure.
From an operational standpoint, the implications of CVE-2021-22768 are particularly concerning for organizations relying on PowerLogic devices for critical power management and monitoring functions. The vulnerability creates a significant risk for industrial control systems where availability and integrity of power data are paramount for operational continuity. Network administrators and security teams must recognize that these devices often operate in isolated or semi-isolated network segments, but the potential for lateral movement within industrial networks means that exploitation could lead to broader system compromise. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK framework tactics related to initial access and execution, as attackers could leverage this weakness to establish persistent presence within industrial environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates from PowerLogic, as these would contain patches addressing the improper input validation issues. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices, employing firewalls and access control lists to restrict HTTP traffic to only authorized administrative interfaces. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous HTTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices for industrial control systems, as many organizations may not regularly update firmware on these devices due to operational constraints or lack of awareness about their security posture. Security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected PowerLogic devices within their network infrastructure and develop incident response procedures specifically addressing potential exploitation of this weakness.