Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2022-35873 affects Inductive Automation Ignition 8.1.15 build b2022030114. A malicious ZIP-related file flow can lead to arbitrary code execution if a user visits a malicious page or opens a malicious file. Successful exploitation can run code as SYSTEM, making this a high-impact issue for exposed operational environments.
Executive priority
Treat as high priority for any confirmed Ignition 8.1.15 build b2022030114 deployment, especially in industrial or operational environments. The business urgency comes from SYSTEM-level code execution potential, not from evidence of active exploitation in the provided sources.
Technical view
The flaw is in ZIP file processing in Ignition 8.1.15. Crafted ZIP data can cause execution of arbitrary Python scripts, and the UI does not sufficiently warn users about the hazard. CVSS is 7.8 high with user interaction required and high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to installations of Inductive Automation Ignition 8.1.15 build b2022030114. Risk is highest where engineering, operator, or administrative users can open untrusted files or browse untrusted pages from systems with privileged Ignition access.
Exploitation context
The provided sources do not show CISA KEV listing or confirmed active exploitation. Exploitation requires user interaction, but the impact is severe because code may execute in the SYSTEM context. The issue was tracked as ZDI-CAN-16949 and disclosed through ZDI.
Researcher notes
Evidence identifies ZIP processing as the vulnerable area and arbitrary Python script execution as the outcome. The source bundle does not provide exploit indicators, a named fixed version, or proof of active exploitation. Avoid assuming broader affected versions beyond the listed build.
Mitigation direction
- Inventory Ignition deployments for version 8.1.15 build b2022030114.
- Review Inductive Automation guidance for the supported remediation path.
- Prioritize upgrading or otherwise remediating confirmed affected systems per vendor guidance.
- Restrict handling of untrusted ZIP files on Ignition administration systems.
- Limit browsing and email access from privileged operational workstations where feasible.
Validation and detection
- Confirm installed Ignition version and build on all relevant systems.
- Map which users can open or import files into affected Ignition environments.
- Review vendor and ZDI advisories against local deployment details.
- Check whether compensating controls restrict untrusted file handling.
- Verify remediation state using vendor-supported version evidence.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
CWE-356: Exact CWE lookup
Use the exact CWE identifier as the starting point before reviewing related ATT&CK behavior. Open the exact CWE lookup page first, then review the ATT&CK searches from that MITRE weakness context. This is a Glexia lookup hint, not an official ATT&CK mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupExecution behavior lookup
The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2022-35873 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- High
- CVSS
- 7.8 (3.0)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H1.85.9Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 3.0 score
7.8HighVector: CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://support.inductiveautomation.com/hc/en-us/articles/7625759776653-Regarding-Pwn2Own-2022-VulnerabilitiesCVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-1020/CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
Product UI does not Warn User of Unsafe Actions
Product UI does not Warn User of Unsafe Actions represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.