CVE-2021-38406 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in Delta Electronics' DOPSoft 2 software, specifically versions 2.00.07 and prior. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of user-supplied data when parsing certain project files, leading to multiple out-of-bounds write conditions (CWE-787). This type of vulnerability occurs when a program writes data outside the boundaries of allocated memory buffers, which can corrupt memory, cause crashes, or enable arbitrary code execution. In this case, an attacker who can convince a user to open a specially crafted project file in DOPSoft 2 could exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current process. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity, with attack vector classified as local (AV:L), requiring low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), but user interaction (UI:R) is necessary. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, as successful exploitation could lead to full control over the affected process, potentially allowing further compromise of the host system. DOPSoft 2 is a programming software used to configure and program Delta Electronics' Human Machine Interface (HMI) devices, which are commonly employed in industrial automation environments. The vulnerability is particularly critical in industrial control system (ICS) contexts, where compromised HMIs can disrupt operational technology (OT) environments, potentially leading to operational downtime or safety hazards. No public exploits are currently known in the wild, and no official patches have been linked in the provided data, indicating that affected organizations may need to rely on vendor advisories or implement mitigations proactively. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, meaning attackers must either have access to the machine or trick users into opening malicious project files, which could be delivered via phishing or insider threats.

For European organizations, especially those operating in industrial sectors such as manufacturing, energy, utilities, and critical infrastructure, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. DOPSoft 2 is used to program HMIs that interface with industrial processes; exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution on engineering workstations or operator terminals. This could result in manipulation or disruption of industrial processes, leading to production downtime, safety incidents, or data breaches. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means attackers could potentially alter control logic, disrupt monitoring, or gain footholds for lateral movement within OT networks. Given the local attack vector and user interaction requirement, the threat is more pronounced in environments where engineering workstations are accessible to multiple users or where phishing attacks are plausible. The lack of known public exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as targeted attackers or insiders could leverage this vulnerability. European organizations with interconnected IT and OT environments must be vigilant, as compromise of HMIs can cascade into broader operational disruptions.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting access to engineering workstations running DOPSoft 2 to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of malicious project files being opened. 2. Implement strict file handling policies: block or quarantine project files received from untrusted sources, and educate users to avoid opening unexpected or suspicious files. 3. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior or memory corruption attempts related to DOPSoft 2. 4. Network segmentation between IT and OT environments should be enforced to limit lateral movement if a workstation is compromised. 5. Monitor logs and system behavior for signs of exploitation attempts, including unusual process activity or crashes related to DOPSoft 2. 6. Engage with Delta Electronics for official patches or updates; if none are available, consider compensating controls such as disabling project file parsing features if feasible. 7. Conduct regular security awareness training focused on phishing and social engineering to reduce the risk of user interaction-based exploitation. 8. Maintain up-to-date backups of critical configuration files and system states to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise.