CVE-2022-23178 in HD-MD4X2-4K-E
Summary
by MITRE • 01/15/2022
An issue was discovered on Crestron HD-MD4X2-4K-E 1.0.0.2159 devices. When the administrative web interface of the HDMI switcher is accessed unauthenticated, user credentials are disclosed that are valid to authenticate to the web interface. Specifically, aj.html sends a JSON document with uname and upassword fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-23178 affects Crestron HD-MD4X2-4K-E HDMI switcher models running firmware version 1.0.0.2159, representing a critical security flaw in the device's administrative web interface. This issue constitutes a severe authentication bypass vulnerability that exposes sensitive credential information to unauthorized users. The flaw manifests when the web interface is accessed without proper authentication, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to obtain valid administrative credentials directly from the application's response. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-287 which specifically addresses improper authentication mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it undermines the fundamental security posture of the device. The affected device's web interface inadvertently exposes administrative credentials through the aj.html endpoint, which returns a JSON document containing both username and password fields. This design flaw violates standard security principles by not properly enforcing authentication controls and by transmitting sensitive information in an unencrypted format that can be easily intercepted and exploited.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential disclosure, as it fundamentally compromises the security of the entire HDMI switching infrastructure. An attacker who gains access to the device can leverage the exposed credentials to assume full administrative control over the switcher, potentially disrupting video signal routing, accessing connected systems, or using the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability enables unauthorized access to network-connected devices that may include sensitive corporate or healthcare systems, creating a potential pathway for data breaches or service disruption. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation, as the exposed credentials provide legitimate access to the device's administrative functions. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that HDMI switchers are often deployed in environments where they control critical video infrastructure, including boardrooms, medical facilities, and control centers where unauthorized access could have severe operational consequences.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-23178 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening of the affected devices. Organizations should immediately update their Crestron HD-MD4X2-4K-E firmware to the latest available version that resolves this vulnerability, as the manufacturer likely released a patch addressing the improper credential exposure. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate these devices from critical network segments, limiting the potential impact of credential compromise. Access controls should be enforced through network access control lists and firewall rules that restrict access to the device's web interface to authorized administrative workstations only. The affected devices should be configured to use strong authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication where possible, and all unnecessary administrative services should be disabled. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts and credential exposure events. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other networked devices, as this vulnerability demonstrates a pattern of insecure credential handling in network infrastructure equipment. The incident highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper authentication implementation, particularly in devices that handle sensitive video infrastructure where unauthorized access could have significant operational and security implications.