CVE-2021-38436 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

FATEK Automation WinProladder versions 3.30 and earlier are susceptible to a critical vulnerability due to improper data validation when parsing project files, potentially leading to a memory corruption issue. This could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the current process.

Understanding CVE-2021-38436

This section provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-38436.

What is CVE-2021-38436?

CVE-2021-38436 pertains to a security weakness found in FATEK Automation's WinProladder software, version 3.30 and prior. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of user-supplied data during the parsing of project files, opening avenues for malicious actors to trigger a memory-corruption scenario.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38436

With a CVSS base score of 7.8 (High), this vulnerability poses significant risks. The attack complexity is low, requiring no special privileges to exploit. Successful exploitation could lead to high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38436

Here we delve into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

FATEK Automation WinProladder fails to adequately validate user-supplied data within project files, potentially resulting in memory corruption. Exploitation of this flaw enables threat actors to execute arbitrary code in the context of the target process.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts all versions of FATEK Automation WinProladder up to and including 3.30.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be leveraged by an attacker by crafting a malicious project file and enticing a user to open it within the WinProladder software.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we outline immediate steps to secure your systems, as well as long-term best practices and the importance of timely patching.

Immediate Steps to Take

As FATEK Automation has not yet collaborated with CISA to address these vulnerabilities, users are encouraged to reach out to FATEK customer support for guidance on safeguarding their systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall security posture, organizations should implement robust input validation mechanisms, conduct regular security assessments, and stay informed about emerging threats.

Patching and Updates

Users must remain vigilant for security updates from FATEK Automation and promptly apply patches to mitigate the CVE-2021-38436 vulnerability.