CVE-2021-22752
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause data loss by exploiting an out-of-bounds write flaw in Schneider Electric's IGSS Definition software. Attackers can achieve this by tricking users into opening malicious workspace files. Organizations using IGSS Definition versions up to V15.0.0.21140 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Schneider Electric IGSS Definition (Def.exe)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution with SYSTEM/administrator privileges leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or denial of service through application crashes when users open malicious WSP files.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation, application whitelisting, and user training preventing malicious file execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open malicious files; no public exploit code available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: V15.0.0.21141 or later
Vendor Advisory: http://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_Doc_Ref=SEVD-2021-159-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download updated version from Schneider Electric portal. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Install update following vendor instructions. 4. Restart system. 5. Verify version is V15.0.0.21141 or later.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict WSP file execution
windowsBlock execution of WSP files via application control policies
Using Group Policy or endpoint protection to block *.wsp file execution
User training and awareness
allTrain users to avoid opening untrusted WSP files
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network segmentation to isolate IGSS systems from critical networks
- Deploy application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized WSP file execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IGSS Definition version via Help > About menu or examine file properties of Def.exeCheck Version:
wmic datafile where name="C:\\Program Files\\IGSS\\Def.exe" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is V15.0.0.21141 or later in Help > About menu📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes of Def.exe
- Unusual process creation from Def.exe
- Failed file parsing attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from IGSS systems
- File transfers to/from IGSS workstations
SIEM Query:
source="windows" AND process="Def.exe" AND (event_id=1000 OR event_id=1001)