CVE-2022-24319 in EcoStruxure Geo SCADA Expert
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2022
A CWE-295: Improper Certificate Validation vulnerability exists that could allow a Man-in-theMiddle attack when communications between the client and Geo SCADA web server are intercepted. Affected Product: ClearSCADA (All Versions), EcoStruxure Geo SCADA Expert 2019 (All Versions), EcoStruxure Geo SCADA Expert 2020 (All Versions)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-24319 represents a critical weakness in the certificate validation mechanisms of several industrial SCADA systems, specifically affecting ClearSCADA and EcoStruxure Geo SCADA Expert platforms. This issue falls under CWE-295, which categorizes improper certificate validation as a fundamental security flaw that undermines the integrity of secure communications. The vulnerability creates a significant attack surface where malicious actors can exploit the flawed validation process to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks against critical infrastructure systems.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper validation of SSL/TLS certificates used for securing communications between client applications and the Geo SCADA web server components. When certificate validation is insufficient or incorrectly implemented, attackers can present fraudulent certificates that appear legitimate to the vulnerable systems. This weakness allows adversaries to intercept, modify, or redirect communications between authorized clients and the SCADA server without detection. The vulnerability affects all versions of ClearSCADA and the specified EcoStruxure Geo SCADA Expert releases, indicating a widespread impact across multiple product lines and potentially affecting numerous industrial control systems worldwide.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond typical network security concerns, as it directly threatens the integrity and availability of industrial control systems that manage critical infrastructure operations. Organizations relying on these SCADA platforms for monitoring and controlling industrial processes face significant risks including unauthorized access to operational controls, data manipulation, and potential disruption of critical services. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in industrial environments where SCADA systems control physical processes, as successful exploitation could lead to operational disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to industrial equipment. The attack vector requires only interception of communications, making it accessible to adversaries with basic network monitoring capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-24319 should prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor patches and updates that address the certificate validation implementation. Organizations must also implement additional network security controls including enhanced monitoring of SSL/TLS traffic, deployment of network segmentation to limit access to SCADA systems, and regular security assessments of communication protocols. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1046 Network Service Scanning and T1566 Phishing, as attackers may exploit this weakness to establish persistent access to industrial control systems. Security teams should also consider implementing certificate pinning mechanisms and regular certificate validation audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future, ensuring compliance with industrial security standards and best practices for protecting critical infrastructure assets.