CVE-2022-0183 in MIRUPASS PW10
Summary
by MITRE • 01/17/2022
Missing encryption of sensitive data vulnerability in 'MIRUPASS' PW10 firmware all versions and 'MIRUPASS' PW20 firmware all versions allows an attacker who can physically access the device to obtain the stored passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2022
The CVE-2022-0183 vulnerability represents a critical missing encryption flaw in the MIRUPASS PW10 and PW20 firmware versions, exposing sensitive data through physical access attacks. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-312 category of "Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information," which specifically addresses the improper storage of confidential data in an unencrypted format. The affected devices are part of the MIRUPASS product line, which appears to be a password management or authentication system designed for physical security applications. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient cryptographic protection mechanisms within the firmware implementation, leaving stored passwords accessible to any attacker with physical access to the device.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker gains physical access to the MIRUPASS PW10 or PW20 devices, which typically involves direct hardware access or the ability to perform low-level system interactions. The device stores passwords in cleartext format without proper encryption mechanisms, making the stored credentials immediately accessible to unauthorized parties. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 "Access to Cloud Storage," where physical access to devices can provide similar attack vectors as cloud storage breaches, though in this case the attack is limited to local physical access rather than network-based exploitation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it eliminates any protection that might otherwise be provided by network-based security controls, as the data is stored in an unencrypted format directly on the device's storage medium.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password theft, as it can compromise entire security infrastructures that rely on these devices for authentication and access control. An attacker who gains physical access to these devices can extract all stored passwords, potentially gaining access to multiple systems and services that depend on the compromised credentials. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active regardless of network-based security measures, as the data remains exposed even when the device is not actively communicating. The scope of impact includes not only the immediate passwords stored on the device but also any potential secondary effects such as credential reuse across multiple systems, privilege escalation opportunities, and broader network compromise. Organizations using these devices face significant risk of unauthorized access to critical systems, as the vulnerability effectively eliminates any local data protection mechanisms that should normally safeguard sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0183 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should immediately implement physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to affected devices, including secure storage, locked enclosures, and restricted access environments. Firmware updates should be deployed as soon as they become available from the vendor, addressing the encryption deficiency in the device's storage mechanisms. The solution must ensure that all sensitive data is stored using strong encryption algorithms with appropriate key management practices, aligning with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring and logging of physical access attempts to detect potential unauthorized access to these devices, while also considering the deployment of more secure authentication alternatives that do not rely on local password storage. The vulnerability highlights the importance of applying defense-in-depth principles, where multiple layers of security protect against different types of threats, ensuring that even if one control fails, other mechanisms remain effective in protecting sensitive information.