CVE-2022-23402 in CENTUM VP
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2022
The following Yokogawa Electric products hard-code the password for CAMS server applications: CENTUM VP versions from R5.01.00 to R5.04.20 and versions from R6.01.00 to R6.08.00, Exaopc versions from R3.72.00 to R3.79.00
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-23402 represents a critical security flaw in several Yokogawa Electric industrial control systems that directly impacts the operational technology infrastructure of critical manufacturing and process control environments. This weakness affects CAMS server applications within Yokogawa's CENTUM VP and Exaopc product lines, creating a persistent backdoor access mechanism that undermines the security posture of industrial networks. The flaw manifests through hardcoded credentials that remain unchanged across multiple software versions, creating a universal entry point for unauthorized personnel seeking to compromise these systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the foundational security controls of industrial control systems, where the integrity of authentication mechanisms is paramount to maintaining operational continuity and preventing potential safety hazards.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a design flaw where developers embedded default administrative credentials directly into the software binaries during the development phase. This practice violates fundamental security principles and creates a persistent threat vector that cannot be mitigated through standard password management procedures. The hardcoded credentials remain static across all affected versions, meaning that even when system administrators update their software to newer releases, the vulnerability persists unless the affected applications are completely reinstalled or patched with updated binaries. This type of flaw is categorized as a weakness in the software's authentication implementation, aligning with CWE-798 which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded credentials in software systems. The vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of industrial control systems by providing unauthorized access to critical operational data and control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential safety risks and operational disruptions within industrial environments. When attackers exploit this hardcoded credential vulnerability, they gain administrative privileges that allow them to manipulate process control parameters, access sensitive operational data, and potentially cause physical damage to industrial equipment. This threat is particularly concerning in critical infrastructure sectors such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and power generation where industrial control systems manage life-critical processes. The vulnerability creates a persistent risk that can remain undetected for extended periods, as the hardcoded credentials provide attackers with a reliable method of maintaining access to industrial networks. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the credential access tactics and techniques, specifically targeting the use of hardcoded credentials and privilege escalation methods that allow attackers to move laterally within industrial networks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability must implement immediate remediation measures to protect their industrial control systems from exploitation. The primary mitigation strategy involves updating to patched versions of the affected software, as Yokogawa has released updated binaries that remove the hardcoded credentials and implement proper authentication mechanisms. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts, particularly by implementing network monitoring and intrusion detection systems that can identify unauthorized access attempts to industrial control systems. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and applications, ensuring that no hardcoded credentials remain within their operational environments. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of implementing secure software development practices and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control system components to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.