CVE-2021-32980 Automation Direct CLICK PLC CPU Modules Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel

Critical 9.8 Published 4 Apr 2022 Updated 16 Apr 2025

Attackers can bypass authentication to connect to Automation Direct CLICK PLCs while another session is active, potentially gaining unauthorized control.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2021-32980?

CVE-2021-32980 is a critical authentication bypass vulnerability in Automation Direct CLICK PLC CPU Modules: C0-1x CPUs, published on 4 Apr 2022. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

Official description

Automation Direct CLICK PLC CPU Modules: C0-1x CPUs with firmware prior to v3.00 does not protect against additional software programming connections. An attacker can connect to the PLC while an existing connection is already active.

Weakness: CWE-287, CWE-288

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-32980?

It affects 20 products.

Products include Automationdirect C0-10are-D Firmware, Automationdirect C0-10dd1e-D Firmware, Automationdirect C0-10dd2e-D Firmware, Automationdirect C0-10dre-D Firmware, Automationdirect C0-11are-D Firmware, Automationdirect C0-11dd1e-D Firmware and 14 more.

How do I fix CVE-2021-32980?

No fix has been published for CVE-2021-32980 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and rotate credentials and sessions that may have been exposed. More about Authentication bypass.

Is CVE-2021-32980 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-32980 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-h8fg-8j3g-7p4x.