HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2021-32986
CRITICAL

CVE-2021-32986

CWE-288Published: April 4, 2022· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

9.8
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

After Automation Direct CLICK PLC CPU Modules: C0-1x CPUs with firmware prior to v3.00 is unlocked by an authorized user, the unlocked state does not timeout. If the programming software is interrupted, the PLC remains unlocked. All subsequent programming connections are allowed without authorization. The PLC is only relocked by a power cycle, or when the programming software disconnects correctly.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2021-32986 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 9.8.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected Vendors & Products

automationdirect40 product(s)
c0-10dd1e-d firmwarec0-10dd1e-dc0-10dd2e-d firmwarec0-10dd2e-dc0-10dre-d firmwarec0-10dre-dc0-10are-d firmwarec0-10are-dc0-11dd1e-d firmwarec0-11dd1e-dc0-11dd2e-d firmwarec0-11dd2e-d+28
Source: NVD CPE · 40 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.

Official Patches & Advisories

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

All References (2)

→
https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/advisories/icsa-21-166-02Third Party Advisory · US Government Resource
→
https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/advisories/icsa-21-166-02Third Party Advisory · US Government Resource

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2021-32986
CVSS Score9.8 / 10
SeverityCRITICAL
WeaknessCWE-288
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedApr 4, 2022

Related CVEs (CWE-288)

CVE-2026-48491
10.0
CVE-2024-2973
10.0
CVE-2026-53622
10.0
CVE-2026-20079
10.0
CVE-2026-48020
10.0
CVE-2024-2013
10.0

Recommended Actions

  • →Apply vendor patches immediately
  • →Monitor CVE-2021-32986 in threat intel feeds
  • →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.
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