CVE-2021-44453
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2021-44453 is a critical command injection vulnerability in mySCADA myPRO's debug interface that allows attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands through the ping utility. This affects industrial control systems using mySCADA myPRO versions 8.20.0 and earlier. Attackers can potentially gain full system control and compromise industrial operations.
💻 Affected Systems
- mySCADA myPRO
📦 What is this software?
Mypro by Myscada
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, disrupt industrial processes, steal sensitive data, install malware, or pivot to other network systems.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of industrial operations.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if debug interface is disabled or network access is restricted, though underlying vulnerability remains.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation is straightforward via the debug interface's ping utility command injection.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 8.21.0 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/advisories/icsa-21-355-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download mySCADA myPRO version 8.21.0 or later from official vendor sources. 2. Backup current configuration and data. 3. Install the updated version following vendor documentation. 4. Restart the system to apply changes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Debug Interface
allDisable the vulnerable debug interface to prevent exploitation.
Navigate to myPRO configuration settings and disable debug interface functionality.
Network Segmentation
allRestrict network access to myPRO systems using firewalls.
Configure firewall rules to block external access to myPRO ports (typically 80, 443, 8080).
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate myPRO systems from untrusted networks.
- Deploy application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems to detect and block command injection attempts.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check myPRO version in administration interface or configuration files. If version is 8.20.0 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check version in myPRO web interface or configuration files (specific command varies by installation).Verify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 8.21.0 or later and test that debug interface ping utility no longer accepts command injection.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual command execution in system logs
- Access to debug interface from unauthorized IPs
- Ping utility usage with unusual parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to debug interface endpoints with command injection patterns
- Unusual outbound connections from myPRO system
SIEM Query:
source="myPRO" AND (url="*/debug*" OR url="*/ping*" OR command="*;*" OR command="*|*" OR command="*`*" OR command="*$(*")