CVE-2022-2003 in DirectLOGIC
Summary
by MITRE • 08/31/2022
AutomationDirect DirectLOGIC is vulnerable to a specifically crafted serial message to the CPU serial port that will cause the PLC to respond with the PLC password in cleartext. This could allow an attacker to access and make unauthorized changes. This issue affects: AutomationDirect DirectLOGIC D0-06 series CPUs D0-06DD1 versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DD2 versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DR versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DA versions prior to 2.72; D0-06AR versions prior to 2.72; D0-06AA versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DD1-D versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DD2-D versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DR-D versions prior to 2.72;
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2022
This vulnerability in AutomationDirect DirectLOGIC D0-06 series CPUs represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of industrial control systems. The issue stems from improper handling of serial communication protocols where specifically crafted serial messages can trigger the PLC to disclose its password in cleartext format through the CPU serial port. This represents a fundamental breakdown in authentication mechanisms that directly compromises the security posture of industrial automation environments. The vulnerability affects multiple variants within the D0-06 series including DD1, DD2, DR, DA, AR, AA, and their respective D-versions, indicating a widespread issue across the product line that requires immediate attention from system operators and security administrators.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in the serial communication handler of the PLC firmware that fails to properly validate incoming serial messages before processing them. When an attacker sends a specially crafted serial message to the CPU serial port, the system's response mechanism inadvertently includes the password in plaintext format within the reply. This behavior violates standard security practices for credential handling and demonstrates a lack of proper input sanitization and output filtering. The vulnerability operates at the protocol level, exploiting weaknesses in the communication interface design rather than relying on external attack vectors or complex exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass full unauthorized access and potential system compromise. An attacker who gains access to the PLC password can execute arbitrary commands, modify program logic, alter process parameters, and potentially cause physical damage to industrial processes. This threat scenario aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the credential access and execution tactics, where adversaries seek to establish persistent access to industrial control systems. The cleartext disclosure of passwords creates a direct pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and maintain long-term access to critical infrastructure without requiring additional complex exploitation methods.
Organizations operating affected AutomationDirect DirectLOGIC systems must implement immediate mitigations to protect their industrial control environments from potential exploitation. The primary recommendation involves updating all affected CPU versions to firmware version 2.72 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the serial communication vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation should be implemented to isolate PLC communication ports from general network access, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Physical security measures should also be reinforced to prevent unauthorized access to serial ports, as this vulnerability can be exploited through direct physical connection to the device. The vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and represents a significant risk to industrial cybersecurity posture that requires comprehensive remediation strategies.