CVE-2021-22760
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Schneider Electric's IGSS Definition software allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause data loss by importing a malicious CGF file. It affects IGSS Definition (Def.exe) version 15.0.0.21140 and earlier. Organizations using this industrial control system software for SCADA/HMI applications are at risk.
💻 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 destruction, or disruption of industrial processes.
Likely Case
Data loss or corruption of IGSS configuration files, potentially disrupting SCADA/HMI operations.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and file validation controls in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to import malicious CGF files. No public exploit code has been disclosed.
🛠️ 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 the updated version from Schneider Electric's website. 2. Backup current IGSS configurations. 3. Install the update following vendor instructions. 4. Restart the system. 5. Verify the version is 15.0.0.21141 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict CGF file imports
windowsImplement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized CGF file imports
Using AppLocker or similar: New-AppLockerPolicy -RuleType Publisher,Path -User Everyone -Action Deny
Network segmentation
allIsolate IGSS systems from untrusted networks and implement strict firewall rules
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict user access controls to limit who can import CGF files
- Deploy file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized CGF file modifications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IGSS Definition version by right-clicking Def.exe → Properties → Details tab, or check installed programs in Control Panel.Check Version:
wmic product where name="IGSS Definition" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 15.0.0.21141 or higher using the same method as checking vulnerability.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Failed CGF file import attempts
- Unexpected process crashes of Def.exe
- Unusual file creation in IGSS directories
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected network connections from IGSS systems
- File transfers to IGSS systems containing CGF extensions
SIEM Query:
source="windows" AND (process="def.exe" AND (event_id="1000" OR file_extension=".cgf"))