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Schneider Electric C-Bus Toolkit

Monitor6.5ICS-CERT ICSA-21-194-01Jul 13, 2021
Attack VectorNetwork
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionRequired
Summary

C-Bus Toolkit versions 1.15.8 and earlier contain a missing authentication control vulnerability (CWE-306) that could allow an attacker to enable remote access to the system. The vulnerability requires user interaction (e.g., social engineering to click a malicious link) and network access to the affected device.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker could enable unauthorized remote access to engineering workstations running C-Bus Toolkit, potentially allowing them to modify building automation control logic or gain persistence on the network.
Who's at risk
Energy sector organizations using Schneider Electric C-Bus Toolkit for building automation, HVAC, lighting, or other control system engineering work. This affects IT/engineering staff who use the toolkit to configure or maintain building control systems.
How it could be exploited
An attacker sends a malicious link or attachment via email to an employee with C-Bus Toolkit installed. When the employee clicks the link or opens the attachment, the vulnerability is triggered and remote access capabilities are enabled on their workstation. The attacker can then connect remotely to the workstation to make unauthorized changes.
Prerequisites
  • Network access to the affected workstation
  • User interaction required (employee must click malicious link or open attachment)
  • C-Bus Toolkit version 1.15.8 or earlier installed on the workstation
Missing authentication control (CWE-306)Low to medium complexity exploitationRequires user interaction (social engineering)Could lead to unauthorized remote access
Exploitability
Moderate exploit probability (EPSS 1.4%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
C-Bus Toolkit:≤ 1.15.81.15.9
Remediation & Mitigation
0/7
Do now
0/3
WORKAROUNDImplement firewall rules to restrict inbound connections to workstations running C-Bus Toolkit; use an allow list restricting which IP addresses can access the application
HARDENINGEnable and keep updated the Windows Defender Firewall or equivalent host-based firewall on all workstations running C-Bus Toolkit
HARDENINGDeploy antivirus software and ensure it is kept up to date with current signatures
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HOTFIXUpdate C-Bus Toolkit to version 1.15.9 or later
Long-term hardening
0/3
HARDENINGImplement physical and logical access controls to prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing engineering workstations
HARDENINGProvide security awareness training to staff on email phishing and social engineering tactics; establish policy against clicking unsolicited links or opening attachments from unknown senders
HARDENINGIsolate control system engineering workstations from the Internet and the general business network; use VPNs with strong authentication and encryption for any required remote access
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