CVE-2022-22508 in Control
Summary
by MITRE • 05/15/2023
Improper Input Validation vulnerability in multiple CODESYS V3 products allows an authenticated remote attacker to block consecutive logins of a specific type.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2023
The CVE-2022-22508 vulnerability represents a critical weakness in CODESYS V3 products that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the authentication framework. This flaw specifically targets the login process and affects systems that utilize CODESYS software for industrial automation and control applications. The vulnerability exists in the way the system handles user authentication requests, particularly when dealing with consecutive login attempts from specific user types. The improper validation allows an attacker who has already established authentication credentials to manipulate the system's login behavior in a manner that prevents legitimate users from accessing the system through certain authentication pathways. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of authentication bypass issues and demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation gaps can create significant operational disruptions in industrial control systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the CODESYS V3 authentication module where the system fails to properly validate the sequence and type of login requests. When an authenticated attacker submits login requests in a specific pattern, the system's validation logic does not adequately check for consecutive login attempts from particular user roles or authentication methods. This oversight creates a condition where the system can be induced to block legitimate login attempts from users of a specific type, effectively creating a denial of service scenario for those particular user categories. The flaw is particularly concerning in industrial environments where continuous system access is critical for operational continuity and where unauthorized access disruption can lead to significant production downtime.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-22508 extends beyond simple access denial, as it can severely disrupt industrial processes that depend on CODESYS V3 systems for automation and control. Organizations using these products in manufacturing, process control, or other industrial applications may experience production halts when legitimate operators cannot log in through specific authentication paths. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can exploit it from external networks without requiring physical access to the systems, making it particularly dangerous in connected industrial environments where security boundaries may be less defined. This type of attack aligns with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the credential access and defense evasion domains, where adversaries seek to maintain persistent access while simultaneously disrupting legitimate user operations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of CODESYS V3 products, implementing network segmentation to limit remote access to critical systems, and establishing monitoring procedures for unusual login patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-20, "Improper Input Validation," highlights the fundamental need for robust validation mechanisms in authentication systems. Security teams should also consider implementing additional authentication controls such as account lockout mechanisms, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits of authentication processes. The remediation process requires careful planning to ensure that the patches do not disrupt existing operational workflows while addressing the core validation issues that allow the vulnerability to persist. Given the industrial control environment where these products operate, organizations must balance security improvements with operational continuity requirements to maintain system reliability while eliminating the risk of unauthorized login blocking.