CVE-2021-33542: Phoenix Contact Automationworx BCP File Parsing Memory Corruption Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Jun 25, 2021
·
Updated

Phoenix Contact Classic Automation Worx Software Suite in Version 1.87 and below is affected by a remote code execution vulnerability. Manipulated PC Worx or Config+ projects could lead to a remote code execution when unallocated memory is freed because of incompletely initialized data. The attacker needs to get access to an original bus configuration file (.bcp) to be able to manipulate data inside. After manipulation the attacker needs to exchange the original file by the manipulated one on the application programming workstation. Availability, integrity, or confidentiality of an application programming workstation might be compromised by attacks using these vulnerabilities. Automated systems in operation which were programmed with one of the above-mentioned products are not affected.

Other sources

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Phoenix Contact Automationworx. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of BCP files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a memory corruption condition. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process.

Affected Software

4 affected components
Phoenix Contact Automationworx
Phoenixcontact Config\+<=1.87
Phoenixcontact Pc Worx<=1.87
Phoenixcontact Pc Worx Express<=1.87

Remediation

Information

Temporary Fix / Mitigation We strongly recommend customers to exchange project files only using secure file exchange services. Project files should not be exchanged via unencrypted email. Remediation With the next version of Automationworx Software Suite the affected data will be initialized completely and thereby freeing of unallocated memory will be prevented.

Event History

Jun 25, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·06:26 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·06:26 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeakness
Aug 3, 2024
Advisory Published
via ZDI·11:58 PM
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the vulnerability ID of this vulnerability?

The vulnerability ID is CVE-2021-33542.

2

What is the title of this vulnerability?

The title of this vulnerability is Phoenix Contact Automationworx BCP File Parsing Memory Corruption Remote Code Execution Vulnerability.

3

Which software is affected by this vulnerability?

The Phoenix Contact Classic Automation Worx Software Suite in Version 1.87 and below is affected.

4

What is the severity of this vulnerability?

The severity of this vulnerability is high (7.8).

5

How can an attacker exploit this vulnerability?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating PC Worx or Config+ projects to lead to remote code execution.

Company

Resources

Contact

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