CVE-2022-0988 in DIAEnergie
Summary
by MITRE • 03/25/2022
Delta Electronics DIAEnergie (Version 1.7.5 and prior) is vulnerable to cleartext transmission as the web application runs by default on HTTP. This could allow an attacker to remotely read transmitted information between the client and product.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2022
Delta Electronics DIAEnergie version 1.7.5 and earlier contains a critical security vulnerability classified as CWE-319 - Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information. The web application defaults to operating over HTTP protocol without encryption, creating an inherent weakness in the communication channel between client systems and the device. This configuration exposes all transmitted data to interception attacks, including authentication credentials, configuration parameters, and operational commands that flow through the network.
The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement secure communication protocols such as HTTPS, TLS, or SSL encryption. When devices communicate over unencrypted HTTP connections, network traffic becomes susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks, packet sniffing, and eavesdropping techniques that are readily available to attackers with minimal technical expertise. The cleartext transmission allows threat actors to capture and analyze all information passing between the client interface and the DIAEnergie device, potentially compromising the entire system's security posture.
This vulnerability significantly impacts operational security and can lead to unauthorized access to industrial control systems, especially in environments where Delta Electronics DIAEnergie devices are deployed for energy management and monitoring. The attack surface expands when considering that the device may be located in network segments that are not adequately protected by firewalls or network segmentation controls. According to ATT&CK framework technique T1046 - Network Service Scanning, attackers can leverage such clear text communications to enumerate system information and identify additional attack vectors within the network infrastructure. The exposure of transmitted data creates opportunities for credential theft, privilege escalation, and potential system compromise that could affect critical infrastructure operations.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including mandatory HTTPS configuration, certificate deployment, and network segmentation to isolate affected devices. The vulnerability aligns with NIST Special Publication 800-53 control CM-7 - Configuration Settings, which requires systems to enforce secure configuration settings. Network administrators should consider implementing network access controls and monitoring solutions to detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the device firmware should be updated to versions that enforce encrypted communication channels, and security policies should be established to prevent the use of unencrypted protocols in industrial environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of applying defense-in-depth principles and adhering to secure development practices that incorporate encryption by default in all communication channels.