CVE-2022-25155 in MELSEC iQ-F FX5U(C)
Summary
by MITRE • 04/02/2022
Use of Password Hash Instead of Password for Authentication vulnerability in Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC iQ-F series FX5U(C) CPU all versions and Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC iQ-F series FX5UJ CPU all versions allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to login to the product by replaying an eavesdropped password hash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-25155 represents a critical authentication flaw in Mitsubishi Electric's industrial control systems, specifically affecting the MELSEC iQ-F series FX5U(C) and FX5UJ CPU modules. This weakness stems from the improper handling of authentication credentials where the system accepts password hashes instead of actual passwords for verification purposes. The flaw exists in all versions of these industrial automation controllers, making them universally susceptible to exploitation. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication mechanisms in software systems, particularly those involving weak credential handling and authentication bypass scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to conduct successful authentication attacks without requiring prior authorization or knowledge of valid passwords. An attacker capable of eavesdropping on network communications can capture password hash values and subsequently replay these hashes to gain unauthorized access to the affected industrial control systems. This type of attack leverages the fundamental principle of credential reuse and hash replay attacks, which are well-documented in cybersecurity literature and commonly addressed through proper authentication protocols. The system's failure to validate the authenticity of the credential presented demonstrates a critical weakness in the authentication architecture that violates standard security practices for industrial control systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it compromises the integrity and security of industrial automation environments that are critical for manufacturing and process control operations. Attackers could potentially manipulate industrial processes, disrupt production lines, or gain access to sensitive operational data that could lead to significant financial losses and safety hazards. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the equipment, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where industrial control systems are connected to corporate networks or the internet. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising both confidentiality and integrity of the industrial control systems, potentially allowing for unauthorized modifications to process parameters and operational procedures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-25155 should include immediate implementation of network segmentation to isolate affected industrial control systems from general corporate networks and the internet. Organizations should deploy robust network monitoring solutions to detect unusual authentication patterns and credential replay attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts. The affected systems should be updated with the latest firmware releases from Mitsubishi Electric that address the authentication flaw, while also implementing strong network access controls and mandatory authentication protocols that prevent hash-based authentication mechanisms. Security professionals should also consider implementing additional authentication layers such as two-factor authentication and certificate-based authentication to provide defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities. The remediation approach should align with the ATT&CK framework's defense evasion and credential access tactics, ensuring comprehensive protection against both current and potential future exploitation attempts. Organizations must also establish robust incident response procedures specifically designed for industrial control system security events to ensure rapid detection and response to any exploitation attempts.