CVE-2021-20587 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in various Mitsubishi Electric FA Engineering Software versions allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition and potentially execute a malicious program on the affected system. This CVE was published on February 19, 2021, and affects multiple products from Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.

Understanding CVE-2021-20587

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2021-20587 vulnerability, outlining its impact, technical specifics, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-20587?

The CVE-2021-20587 vulnerability is a heap-based buffer overflow issue found in Mitsubishi Electric FA Engineering Software versions, which can be exploited by a remote attacker to manipulate affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20587

This vulnerability poses a severe threat as it allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable system by sending crafted packets, leading to a DoS condition in the affected software products.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20587

This section will provide a detailed overview of the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-20587 vulnerability, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Mitsubishi Electric FA Engineering Software products enables remote unauthenticated attackers to exploit the software, causing a DoS condition and potentially executing malicious code on the target system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Multiple versions of various Mitsubishi Electric FA Engineering Software products are affected, including CPU Module Logging Configuration Tool, CW Configurator, Data Transfer, EZSocket, GT Designer, GX Developer, and more.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by spoofing MELSEC, GOT, or FREQROL, and returning crafted reply packets to potentially compromise the software and execute unauthorized commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will outline the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-20587 and prevent potential exploitation of the identified vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply security patches provided by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation to address the CVE-2021-20587 vulnerability and ensure the protection of their systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strong network segmentation, access controls, and regular security updates are essential for maintaining the security of industrial control systems and mitigating future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor vendor advisories, apply security patches promptly, and follow best practices for secure software development and deployment to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure against potential cyber threats.