CVE-2021-32931
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2021-32931 is an uninitialized pointer vulnerability in FATEK Automation FvDesigner software that allows arbitrary code execution when processing malicious project files. Attackers can craft special project files to exploit this flaw, potentially taking control of affected systems. This affects users of FvDesigner versions 1.5.88 and earlier.
💻 Affected Systems
- FATEK Automation FvDesigner
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining full control, installing malware, stealing sensitive data, and pivoting to other systems.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation leading to unauthorized access to industrial control systems and potential manipulation of PLC programming.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and file validation controls preventing malicious project file execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction to open malicious project file. Multiple advisories suggest active exploitation potential.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 1.5.89 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/advisories/icsa-21-217-02
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest FvDesigner version from FATEK Automation website. 2. Uninstall current version. 3. Install updated version. 4. Restart system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict project file execution
windowsBlock execution of untrusted project files and implement file validation
Network segmentation
allIsolate engineering workstations from general network and internet access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to engineering workstations and limit user privileges
- Use application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized files and monitor for suspicious project file activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check FvDesigner version in Help > About menu. If version is 1.5.88 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Not applicable - check via application GUI Help > About menuVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version shows 1.5.89 or later after update. Test with known safe project files to ensure functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected application crashes
- Suspicious file access patterns to .fvp project files
- Unusual process creation from FvDesigner
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected network connections from engineering workstations
- File transfers of project files from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
Process:Name='FvDesigner.exe' AND (EventID=1000 OR EventID=1001) OR FileAccess:Extension='.fvp' AND SourceIP NOT IN trusted_networks🔗 References
- https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/advisories/icsa-21-217-02
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-1027/
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-1030/
- https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/advisories/icsa-21-217-02
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-1027/
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-1030/
