CVE-2021-32975
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2021-32975 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Cscape software that could allow remote code execution when parsing malicious project files. Attackers could exploit this to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. All Cscape versions prior to 9.90 SP5 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Cscape
📦 What is this software?
Cscape by Hornerautomation
Cscape by Hornerautomation
Cscape by Hornerautomation
Cscape by Hornerautomation
Cscape by Hornerautomation
Cscape by Hornerautomation
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or ransomware deployment on affected systems.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or denial of service through application crashes when processing malicious project files.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and file validation controls in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open malicious project files. No public exploits were available at advisory publication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 9.90 SP5 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/advisories/icsa-21-224-02
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Cscape version 9.90 SP5 or later from Eaton's official website. 2. Run the installer with administrative privileges. 3. Follow installation prompts. 4. Restart the system after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict project file sources
allOnly open project files from trusted sources and implement file validation procedures.
Network segmentation
allIsolate Cscape systems from untrusted networks and implement strict firewall rules.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code
- Use least privilege principles and run Cscape with minimal user permissions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Cscape version via Help > About menu. If version is below 9.90 SP5, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Not applicable - check via GUI Help > About menuVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 9.90 SP5 or higher in Help > About menu after patching.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes when opening project files
- Unusual process creation from Cscape executable
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected network connections from Cscape process
- Downloads of project files from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
Process Creation where Image contains 'cscape.exe' AND CommandLine contains unusual parameters