CVE-2021-22762
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote code execution through path traversal in Schneider Electric's IGSS Definition software. Attackers can exploit it by tricking users into opening malicious CGF or WSP files, potentially gaining full control of affected systems. Organizations using IGSS Definition versions 15.0.0.21140 and earlier are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Schneider Electric IGSS Definition (Def.exe)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining administrative privileges, data theft, lateral movement within network, and disruption of industrial operations.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation leading to unauthorized access to industrial control systems, potential manipulation of SCADA operations, and data exfiltration.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file validation and user awareness preventing malicious file execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction to open malicious file. No public exploit code available at time of analysis.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Update to version newer than V15.0.0.21140
Vendor Advisory: http://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_Doc_Ref=SEVD-2021-159-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest IGSS Definition update from Schneider Electric portal. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Install update following vendor instructions. 4. Restart system. 5. Verify version is updated.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict file execution
windowsBlock execution of CGF and WSP files from untrusted sources
Use Windows Group Policy to restrict file associations for .cgf and .wsp extensions
User awareness training
allTrain users to avoid opening untrusted CGF/WSP files
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized executables
- Segment IGSS systems from general network and restrict file transfers
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IGSS Definition version via Help > About in application or examine file properties of Def.exeCheck Version:
Right-click Def.exe > Properties > Details tab, or run: wmic datafile where name='C:\Program Files\IGSS\Def.exe' get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is newer than V15.0.0.21140 and test file parsing with known safe CGF/WSP files📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected process creation from Def.exe
- File access errors in IGSS logs
- Unusual network connections from IGSS systems
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from IGSS workstations
- File transfers to/from IGSS systems
SIEM Query:
Process Creation where Image contains 'Def.exe' AND CommandLine contains '.cgf' OR CommandLine contains '.wsp'