CVE-2021-22711
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Schneider Electric's IGSC SCADA system allows attackers to execute arbitrary read or write operations by importing a malicious configuration file. It affects IGSS Definition versions 15.0.0.21041 and earlier. SCADA operators and industrial control system administrators are primarily at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Interactive Graphical SCADA System (IGSS) Definition
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise leading to manipulation of industrial processes, data theft, or denial of service in critical infrastructure environments.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation, unauthorized configuration changes, or data corruption within the SCADA system.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file import capabilities are restricted and proper access controls are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires attacker to craft malicious CGF file and have ability to import it into the system.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: V15.0.0.21042 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_Doc_Ref=SEVD-2021-068-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the updated version from Schneider Electric's website. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Install the update following vendor instructions. 4. Restart the system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict CGF file imports
windowsLimit who can import configuration files and implement file validation procedures
Network segmentation
allIsolate SCADA systems from general corporate networks
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls on who can import configuration files
- Monitor for unusual file import activities and implement file integrity monitoring
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IGSS Definition version in Help > About menu. If version is 15.0.0.21041 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Not applicable - check via application GUI Help > AboutVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version shows 15.0.0.21042 or later after update installation.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual CGF file import activities
- Multiple failed import attempts
- Unexpected configuration changes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file transfers to SCADA systems
- Unexpected network connections from SCADA components
SIEM Query:
source="igss" AND (event="file_import" OR event="config_change") AND user NOT IN [authorized_users]