CVE-2021-32959 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A detailed overview of the AVEVA SuiteLink Server Buffer Overflow vulnerability, including its impact, affected systems, technical details, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2021-32959

This CVE refers to a heap-based buffer overflow in the SuiteLink server while processing specific commands.

What is CVE-2021-32959?

The vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow in the SuiteLink server that occurs when processing certain commands (0x05/0x06).

The Impact of CVE-2021-32959

The vulnerability has a high severity rating with a CVSS base score of 8.1, indicating significant risks to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-32959

The vulnerability is categorized as a CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from a heap-based buffer overflow within the SuiteLink server.

Affected Systems and Versions

AVEVA System Platform 2020 (<= R2 P01)
AVEVA InTouch 2020 (<= R2 P01)
AVEVA Historian 2020 (<= R2 P01)
AVEVA Communication Drivers Pack 2020 (<= R2)
AVEVA Batch Management 2020 (<= 2020)
AVEVA MES 2014 (<= R2)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely via a network without the need for privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address the CVE-2021-32959 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations are advised to assess the impact based on their environment and apply the necessary security updates immediately.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and follow security best practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply the security update provided by AVEVA for the affected products. Some updates may require activation-based licensing.