CVE-2022-2336 in Secure Integration Server
Summary
by MITRE • 08/18/2022
Softing Secure Integration Server, edgeConnector, and edgeAggregator software ships with the default administrator credentials as `admin` and password as `admin`. This allows Softing to log in to the server directly to perform administrative functions. Upon installation or upon first login, the application does not ask the user to change the `admin` password. There is no warning or prompt to ask the user to change the default password, and to change the password, many steps are required.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2022-2336 represents a critical security flaw in Softing's Secure Integration Server software, specifically affecting edgeConnector and edgeAggregator components. This issue stems from the software's insecure default configuration where administrative credentials are hardcoded as 'admin' for both username and password fields. The flaw exists at the authentication layer and constitutes a fundamental failure in secure configuration management practices. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it provides unauthorized parties with immediate administrative access to critical industrial control systems without requiring any additional authentication factors or privileged access. This default credential configuration violates industry security standards and creates an easily exploitable entry point for malicious actors seeking to compromise industrial automation environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the software installation process where no mandatory password change requirement is enforced. The application fails to implement proper initialization procedures that would require administrators to establish unique credentials upon first system access. This design flaw creates a persistent security weakness that remains active until manually addressed by system administrators. The lack of automated password prompts or mandatory change requirements means that the default credentials remain functional throughout the system's operational lifecycle. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and CWE-312, which covers the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage of credentials. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which involves legitimate account use through default credentials, making it particularly dangerous in operational technology environments where systems may remain unpatched for extended periods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential system compromise and operational disruption within industrial environments. Attackers who discover these default credentials can immediately assume administrative control over the integration servers, potentially leading to data manipulation, system configuration changes, or denial of service conditions. In industrial control systems, such unauthorized access could result in production disruptions, safety system compromise, or data integrity violations that may affect regulatory compliance. The complexity involved in changing the default password configuration further compounds the risk, as system administrators may overlook this critical security step or find the process cumbersome. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where physical security is inadequate or where unauthorized personnel may gain access to system administration interfaces. The time delay between system deployment and password change implementation creates a window of opportunity for exploitation that can be exploited by both external attackers and internal threat actors.
Effective mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple security controls to address both the immediate exposure and prevent future occurrences. Organizations should immediately change the default administrative credentials to strong, unique passwords and ensure that these changes are documented and audited. The implementation of automated password change policies during first login or system initialization would prevent this vulnerability from persisting in future deployments. Security configurations should include mandatory credential change procedures that cannot be bypassed during system setup processes. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit administrative access to authorized personnel only, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Regular security audits should verify that default credentials have been changed and that proper access controls are in place. The use of privileged access management solutions can help ensure that administrative credentials are rotated regularly and that access is granted only when necessary. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts using default credentials can provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access to add additional layers of security beyond simple credential authentication. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure-by-design principles in industrial control systems and emphasizes the need for manufacturers to implement proper default configuration management practices that do not leave systems vulnerable to immediate exploitation.