CVE-2021-40363

Name: CVE-2021-40363
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2022-02-09T16:15:13.877+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.16%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-40363 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.2 (All versions), SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0 (All versions), SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.1 (All versions < V9.1 SP1), SIMATIC WinCC V15 and earlier (All versions < V15 SP1 Update 7), SIMATIC WinCC V16 (All versions < V16 Update 5), SIMATIC WinCC V17 (All versions < V17 Update 2), SIMATIC WinCC V17 (All versions <= V17 Update 4), SIMATIC WinCC V7.4 (All versions < V7.4 SP1 Update 19), SIMATIC WinCC V7.5 (All versions < V7.5 SP2 Update 6). The affected component stores the credentials of a local system account in a potentially publicly accessible project file using an outdated cipher algorithm. EPSS estimates a 0.16% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.2 (All versions), SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0 (All versions), SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.1 (All versions < V9.1 SP1), SIMATIC WinCC V15 and earlier (All versions < V15 SP1 Update 7), SIMATIC WinCC V16 (All versions < V16 Update 5), SIMATIC WinCC V17 (All versions < V17 Update 2), SIMATIC WinCC V17 (All versions <= V17 Update 4), SIMATIC WinCC V7.4 (All versions < V7.4 SP1 Update 19), SIMATIC WinCC V7.5 (All versions < V7.5 SP2 Update 6). The affected component stores the credentials of a local system account in a potentially publicly accessible project file using an outdated cipher algorithm. An attacker may use this to brute force the credentials and take over the system.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.16%

5.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Siemens	Simatic Pcs 7	<= 8.2
Siemens	Simatic Pcs 7	9.0
Siemens	Simatic Pcs 7	9.1
Siemens	Simatic Wincc	< 7.4
Siemens	Simatic Wincc	7.4
Siemens	Simatic Wincc	7.5
Siemens	Simatic Wincc	13
Siemens	Simatic Wincc	14.0.1
Siemens	Simatic Wincc	15
Siemens	Simatic Wincc	15.1
Siemens	Simatic Wincc	16
Siemens	Simatic Wincc	17

References

https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-914168.pdfPatch, Vendor Advisory
https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-914168.pdfPatch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Feb 9, 2022
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-40363?

How severe is CVE-2021-40363?

CVE-2021-40363 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.16% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-40363?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2021-40363?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST