CVE-2021-22801
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2021-22801 is a critical privilege management vulnerability in Schneider Electric's ConneXium Network Manager software that allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands through specially crafted event actions. This affects all versions of the software and could lead to complete system compromise. Organizations using this industrial network management software are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- ConneXium Network Manager Software
📦 What is this software?
Connexium Network Manager by Schneider Electric
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system takeover with administrative privileges, allowing attackers to disrupt industrial operations, steal sensitive data, or deploy ransomware across managed networks.
Likely Case
Unauthorized command execution leading to data exfiltration, network reconnaissance, or lateral movement within industrial control systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation and access controls prevent exploitation attempts from reaching vulnerable systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is straightforward once access is obtained. The vulnerability is in the event action configuration mechanism.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Contact Schneider Electric for specific patched versions
Vendor Advisory: https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_Doc_Ref=SEVD-2021-285-02
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review Schneider Electric advisory SEVD-2021-285-02
2. Contact Schneider Electric support for patched software versions
3. Apply the provided patch following vendor instructions
4. Restart affected systems after patch application
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Access to Management Interface
allLimit network access to ConneXium Network Manager to only authorized administrators from trusted networks
Disable Unnecessary Event Actions
allReview and disable any non-essential event action configurations in the software
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate ConneXium systems from other critical infrastructure
- Enforce multi-factor authentication and least privilege access controls for all administrative accounts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if ConneXium Network Manager software is installed and review version against Schneider Electric's advisoryCheck Version:
Check software version through ConneXium Network Manager interface or Windows Programs and FeaturesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify patch installation by checking software version and confirming with Schneider Electric support📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual event action configurations
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful login
- Unexpected command execution events in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from ConneXium systems
- Traffic patterns indicating command and control activity
SIEM Query:
source="ConneXium" AND (event="configuration_change" OR event="command_execution")