Catalyzes the hydrolysis of complex carboxylic polyesters found in the cell wall of plants (PubMed:9002270). Degrades cutin, a macromolecule that forms the structure of the plant cuticle (PubMed:9002270). Allows pathogenic fungi to penetrate through the cuticular barrier into the host plant during the initial stage of fungal infection (By similarity). cutin + H2O = cutin monomers. Induced during infection (PubMed:9002269, PubMed:9002270). By contact with cutin (PubMed:9002269, PubMed:9002270). Repressed by glucose (PubMed:9002269, PubMed:9002270). The 2 disulfide bonds play a critical role in holding the catalytic residues in juxta-position; reduction of the disulfide bridges results in the complete inactivation of the enzyme. Decreases cellular carboxylic ester hydrolase activity (PubMed:9002270). Does not affect penetration of the cuticle of gerbera flowers or tomato fruit (PubMed:9002270). Belongs to the cutinase family.