CVE-2021-22780 in EcoStruxure Control Expert
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2021
Insufficiently Protected Credentials vulnerability exists in EcoStruxure Control Expert (all versions prior to V15.0 SP1, including all versions of Unity Pro), EcoStruxure Process Expert (all versions, including all versions of EcoStruxure Hybrid DCS), and SCADAPack RemoteConnect for x70, all versions, that could cause unauthorized access to a project file protected by a password when this file is shared with untrusted sources. An attacker may bypass the password protection and be able to view and modify a project file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-22780 represents a critical insufficiently protected credentials flaw affecting multiple Schneider Electric industrial automation platforms including EcoStruxure Control Expert, EcoStruxure Process Expert, and SCADAPack RemoteConnect for x70. This weakness stems from inadequate implementation of password protection mechanisms for project files within these industrial control system environments. The vulnerability exists across all versions prior to V15.0 SP1 for Control Expert and Process Expert, as well as all versions of Unity Pro and EcoStruxure Hybrid DCS, making it a widespread concern affecting numerous industrial automation deployments. The flaw specifically manifests when project files that are password protected are shared with untrusted parties, creating a significant security risk in industrial environments where operational technology systems handle critical infrastructure operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the failure of the password protection mechanism to properly validate access attempts when project files are transmitted or shared. Attackers can exploit this weakness to bypass authentication controls that should prevent unauthorized access to protected project files. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to gain read and write access to project files that should remain protected by password authentication, potentially enabling them to modify critical control logic, configuration parameters, or operational settings. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the authentication and access control architecture of these industrial automation platforms, where the password protection scheme fails to provide meaningful security boundaries. The vulnerability falls under CWE-521 Weak Password Requirements and CWE-287 Improper Authentication, both of which are well-documented weaknesses in credential protection mechanisms that have been consistently exploited in industrial control system attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially catastrophic consequences in industrial environments. When attackers can bypass password protection on project files, they gain the ability to modify critical control system configurations, potentially leading to operational disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to industrial processes. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where these platforms control critical infrastructure such as power generation, water treatment, or manufacturing processes where unauthorized modifications could result in significant financial losses, environmental damage, or safety incidents. The risk is amplified by the fact that these industrial systems often operate in closed environments where traditional network-based security controls may be insufficient, making the bypass of local password protection mechanisms particularly concerning for industrial cybersecurity practitioners.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided patches and updates for versions prior to V15.0 SP1, implementing strict access controls for project files, and establishing secure file sharing protocols that do not rely on password protection alone. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts to critical project files. Security awareness training for industrial control system operators should emphasize the importance of verifying file integrity and source authenticity when sharing project files. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing, as attackers may exploit this weakness to gain access to legitimate user accounts or manipulate project files through social engineering attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing additional layers of security such as file integrity monitoring, access logging, and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their industrial control system environments.