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Vulnerability record · CVE-2021-33542 · published 25 June 2021

CVE-2021-33542: Phoenixcontact config\+ vulnerability

Phoenixcontact · Config\+

Phoenix Contact Classic Automation Worx Software Suite in Version 1.87 and below is affected by a remote code execution vulnerability. Manipulated PC Worx or Config+ projects could lead to a remote code execution when unallocated memory is freed because of incompletely initialized data. The attacker needs to get access to an original bus configuration file (*.bcp) to be able to manipulate data inside. After manipulation the attacker needs to exchange the original file by the manipulated one on the application programming workstation. Availability, integrity, or confidentiality of an application programming workstation might be compromised by attacks using these vulnerabilities. Automated systems in operation which were programmed with one of the above-mentioned products are not affected.

7.0 CVSS 3.1 High EPSS 1.8% · top 23.0% CWE-824 · CWE-824
7.0CVSS 3.1 base score, v2 5.1
1.8%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
NoNot in CISA KEV
3Affected product versions listed by NVD
4References
17 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

Phoenix Contact Classic Automation Worx Software Suite in Version 1.87 and below is affected by a remote code execution vulnerability. Manipulated PC Worx or Config+ projects could lead to a remote code execution when unallocated memory is freed because of incompletely initialized data. The attacker needs to get access to an original bus configuration file (*.bcp) to be able to manipulate data inside. After manipulation the attacker needs to exchange the original file by the manipulated one on the application programming workstation. Availability, integrity, or confidentiality of an application programming workstation might be compromised by attacks using these vulnerabilities. Automated systems in operation which were programmed with one of the above-mentioned products are not affected.

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected products

3 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.

References

LinkTags
https://cert.vde.com/en-us/advisories/vde-2021-020 Third Party Advisory
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-782/ Third Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
https://cert.vde.com/en-us/advisories/vde-2021-020 Third Party Advisory
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-782/ Third Party AdvisoryVDB Entry

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Related vulnerabilities

Same products first, then exploited flaws of the same weakness class.

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2021-33542), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-27). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.