How severe is CVE-2021-32978?

CVE-2021-32978 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.

Is CVE-2021-32978 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (58th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-32978?

CVE-2021-32978 primarily affects Automationdirect C0-10dd1e-d Firmware. In total, 20 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-32978?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2021-32978 published?

CVE-2021-32978 was published on 2022-04-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-32978

CVE-2021-32978 is a high-severity vulnerability in Automationdirect C0-10dd1e-d Firmware with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-522.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 5.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (58th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-522
Affected product: Automationdirect C0-10dd1e-d Firmware
Published: 2022-04-04
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The programming protocol allows for a previously entered password and lock state to be read by an attacker. If the previously entered password was successful, the attacker can then use the password to unlock Automation Direct CLICK PLC CPU Modules: C0-1x CPUs with firmware prior to v3.00.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-32978?: The programming protocol allows for a previously entered password and lock state to be read by an attacker. If the previously entered password was successful, the attacker can then use the password to unlock Automation Direct CLICK PLC CPU Modules: C0-1x CPUs with firmware prior to v3.00.
How severe is CVE-2021-32978?: CVE-2021-32978 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.
Is CVE-2021-32978 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (58th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-32978?: CVE-2021-32978 primarily affects Automationdirect C0-10dd1e-d Firmware. In total, 20 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-32978?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2021-32978 published?: CVE-2021-32978 was published on 2022-04-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/advisories/icsa-21-166-02

Affected products (20)

cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-10dd1e-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-10dd2e-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-10dre-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-10are-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-11dd1e-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-11dd2e-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-11dre-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-11are-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-12dd1e-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-12dd2e-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-12dre-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-12are-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-12dd1e-1-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-12dd2e-1-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-12dre-1-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-12are-1-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-12dd1e-2-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-12dd2e-2-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-12dre-2-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:automationdirect:c0-12are-2-d_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Automationdirect C0-10dd1e-d Firmware

CVE-2021-32986 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): After Automation Direct CLICK PLC CPU Modules: C0-1x CPUs with firmware prior to v3.00 is unlocked by an authorized…
CVE-2021-32984 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): All programming connections receive the same unlocked privileges, which can result in a privilege escalation. During…
CVE-2021-32980 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Automation Direct CLICK PLC CPU Modules: C0-1x CPUs with firmware prior to v3.00 does not protect against additional…
CVE-2021-32982 — High (CVSS 7.5): Automation Direct CLICK PLC CPU Modules: C0-1x CPUs with firmware prior to v3.00 passwords are sent as plaintext during…

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