CVE entry · CVE-2021-22681
CVE-2021-22681: Rockwell Multiple Products Insufficient Protected Credentials Vulnerability
Multiple Rockwell products contain an insufficient protected credentials vulnerability. Studio 5000 Logix Designer software may allow a key to be discovered. This key is used to verify Logix controllers are communicating with Rockwell Automation design software. If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could allow an unauthorized application to connect with Logix controllers. To leverage this vulnerability, an unauthorized user would require network access to the controller.
- Actively exploited: added to CISA’s KEV catalog on March 5, 2026.
- Use by ransomware: not established so far.
- Remediation deadline for US federal agencies: March 26, 2026.
Description from CISA’s KEV catalog.
What to do
- Check whether your estate includes affected Rockwell products, including internet-facing devices.
- Apply the vendor’s patch or mitigations (references below). Failing that, isolate the product or stop using it, as CISA requires of US federal agencies.
- An exploited vulnerability has often been used before it was fixed: look for signs of compromise, especially on internet-facing devices.
References
- Vendor advisory or reference cited by CISA (support.rockwellautomation.com)
- NVD entry (NIST)
- CISA KEV catalog