CVE-2021-33015
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2021-33015 is a memory corruption vulnerability in Cscape software where improper validation of project files allows an attacker to write beyond allocated memory boundaries via an uninitialized pointer. This could lead to remote code execution in the context of the current process. All users of 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
Complete system compromise through remote code execution, allowing attacker to install malware, exfiltrate data, or disrupt industrial control systems.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or denial of service through application crash when malicious project files are opened.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and file validation controls in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open a malicious project file. No public exploit code has been reported.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 9.90 SP5 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/advisories/icsa-21-224-02
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Cscape 9.90 SP5 or later from official Eaton website. 2. Backup existing projects. 3. Uninstall current version. 4. Install updated version. 5. Restart system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict project file sources
allOnly open project files from trusted sources and implement file validation procedures.
Application whitelisting
windowsImplement application control to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Network segmentation: Isolate Cscape workstations from internet and untrusted networks.
- User training: Educate users about risks of opening untrusted project files and implement strict file validation procedures.
🔍 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 application GUI Help > About menuVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 9.90 SP5 or higher in Help > About menu and test opening known-good project files.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes of Cscape.exe
- Unexpected process creation from Cscape
- File access to suspicious project files
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Cscape workstations
- File transfers of project files from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
EventID=1000 OR EventID=1001 Source=Cscape.exe OR ProcessName=Cscape.exe AND (CommandLine CONTAINS .csp OR ParentProcess CONTAINS suspicious)