How severe is CVE-2021-34597?

CVE-2021-34597 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-34597 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (46th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-34597?

CVE-2021-34597 primarily affects Phoenixcontact Pc Worx. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-34597?

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-2021-34597 published?

CVE-2021-34597 was published on 2021-11-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-34597

CVE-2021-34597 is a high-severity vulnerability in Phoenixcontact Pc Worx with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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-20.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (46th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-20
Affected product: Phoenixcontact Pc Worx
Published: 2021-11-04
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Improper Input Validation vulnerability in PC Worx Automation Suite of Phoenix Contact up to version 1.88 could allow an attacker with a manipulated project file to unpack arbitrary files outside of the selected project directory.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-34597?: Improper Input Validation vulnerability in PC Worx Automation Suite of Phoenix Contact up to version 1.88 could allow an attacker with a manipulated project file to unpack arbitrary files outside of the selected project directory.
How severe is CVE-2021-34597?: CVE-2021-34597 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-34597 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (46th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-34597?: CVE-2021-34597 primarily affects Phoenixcontact Pc Worx. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-34597?: 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-2021-34597 published?: CVE-2021-34597 was published on 2021-11-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://cert.vde.com/en/advisories/VDE-2021-052/

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:phoenixcontact:pc_worx:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:phoenixcontact:pc_worx_express:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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