CVE-2026-21658 in Frick Controls Quantum HD
Summary
by MITRE • 02/27/2026
Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution i.e Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') vulnerability in Johnson Controls Frick Controls Quantum HD allows Code Injection. Insufficient validation of input in certain parameters may permit unexpected actions, which could impact the security of the device before authentication occurs.This issue affects Frick Controls Quantum HD version 10.22 and prior.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-21658 represents a critical code injection flaw within Johnson Controls Frick Controls Quantum HD systems, specifically impacting versions 10.22 and earlier. This weakness falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code" which fundamentally describes scenarios where attacker-controlled data is used to generate executable code without proper validation or sanitization. The vulnerability manifests as an unauthenticated remote code execution vector that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary code into the target system, effectively bypassing traditional authentication mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within specific parameters of the Quantum HD device interface. When certain parameters are processed by the system without adequate sanitization, attacker-controlled inputs can be interpreted as executable commands rather than mere data. This flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate system behavior through carefully crafted malicious inputs that exploit the device's code generation mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates before authentication occurs, meaning that no valid credentials are required to exploit the flaw, making it accessible to any remote attacker with network connectivity to the affected device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, creating a comprehensive security compromise that can lead to complete system takeover. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected application, potentially gaining access to sensitive system information, modifying device configurations, or establishing persistent backdoors. The implications are severe for industrial control systems where the Quantum HD devices are typically deployed, as these systems often control critical infrastructure components including HVAC systems, building automation, and environmental controls. The lack of authentication requirements means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability at scale without requiring specific user credentials, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential impact.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-21658 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Johnson Controls to address the code injection vulnerability. Organizations must implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical network segments and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls can provide additional layers of protection by filtering malicious inputs before they reach the vulnerable code generation mechanisms. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive network scans to identify all instances of affected Quantum HD devices and establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized modifications to device configurations. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 for Phishing, as exploitation typically involves crafting malicious payloads that leverage the device's legitimate code execution capabilities while maintaining persistence through command injection techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust network architectures that enforce strict access controls and continuous monitoring of all network activities involving industrial control systems.