CVE-2021-32935 in In-Sight OPC Server
Summary
by MITRE • 05/23/2022
The affected Cognex product, the In-Sight OPC Server versions v5.7.4 (96) and prior, deserializes untrusted data, which could allow a remote attacker access to system level permission commands and local privilege escalation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-32935 affects Cognex In-Sight OPC Server versions v5.7.4 (96) and prior, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to gain system-level privileges through improper data handling. This vulnerability resides within the server's deserialization process, where untrusted data is being processed without adequate validation or sanitization measures. The affected product operates within industrial environments where OPC (OLE for Process Control) servers facilitate communication between industrial automation systems and enterprise applications, making it a critical component in manufacturing and process control infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests in the server's deserialization mechanism which fails to properly validate incoming data before processing it. When the OPC server receives data from remote clients, it deserializes this information without sufficient input validation, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to craft specially crafted payloads that exploit the deserialization process. This weakness allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which specifically addresses "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" as a common entry point for remote code execution attacks. The attack vector requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where network segmentation may be limited.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected OPC server and potentially the entire industrial control system it manages. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute system-level commands, modify industrial processes, access sensitive operational data, or even cause physical damage to manufacturing equipment. The implications are particularly severe in environments where the OPC server serves as a bridge between operational technology and information technology systems, as it could serve as a foothold for lateral movement throughout the enterprise network. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" within the enterprise attack framework.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing network segmentation to isolate OPC servers from general enterprise networks, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious deserialization activity. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary OPC server functionality, implementing strict access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in industrial software development and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of operational technology systems. Given the widespread use of OPC servers in industrial environments, this vulnerability serves as a reminder of the growing security challenges in connected manufacturing systems and the necessity for robust security controls in industrial automation infrastructure.