CVE-2021-27475 in Automation Connected Components Workbench
Summary
by MITRE • 03/24/2022
Rockwell Automation Connected Components Workbench v12.00.00 and prior does not limit the objects that can be deserialized. This vulnerability allows attackers to craft a malicious serialized object that, if opened by a local user in Connected Components Workbench, may result in remote code execution. This vulnerability requires user interaction to be successfully exploited.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-27475 affects Rockwell Automation Connected Components Workbench version 12.00.00 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in industrial automation software that has significant implications for operational technology environments. This vulnerability resides in the deserialization process of the application, where the software fails to properly validate or restrict the types of objects that can be deserialized from user-supplied data. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates within a specialized industrial software environment that controls critical manufacturing and automation processes, making it a prime target for sophisticated attackers seeking to compromise industrial control systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from unsafe deserialization practices that allow attackers to craft malicious serialized objects containing arbitrary code or malicious payloads. When a local user opens such a crafted file within the Connected Components Workbench application, the deserialization process executes the malicious code with the privileges of the user running the application. This represents a classic deserialization vulnerability that aligns with CWE-502, which specifically addresses unsafe deserialization in software applications. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning that an attacker must convince a legitimate user to open a malicious file, but this requirement does not diminish its severity given the potential for remote code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems that manage critical infrastructure operations. The Connected Components Workbench is used to configure and manage automation components in manufacturing environments, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for industrial operations. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to modify industrial processes, disrupt production, or gain persistent access to critical systems. This aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence within industrial control systems, where initial access through social engineering or supply chain compromise could lead to long-term system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves updating to Rockwell Automation Connected Components Workbench version 12.01.00 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the deserialization vulnerability. Organizations should also implement strict file validation controls and restrict user access to only trusted files and sources. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, security awareness training for industrial control system users should emphasize the dangers of opening untrusted files, particularly in environments where the software is used for critical automation processes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in industrial software development and demonstrates the need for regular security assessments of critical infrastructure applications.