CVE-2022-25157 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 disclose or tamper with the information in the product by using an eavesdropped password hash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-25157 represents a critical security flaw in Mitsubishi Electric's industrial control systems, specifically affecting the MELSEC iQ-F series FX5U(C) and FX5UJ CPU modules across all versions. This weakness stems from the improper handling of authentication mechanisms where the system accepts password hash values in place of actual passwords during authentication processes. The flaw fundamentally undermines the security posture of these industrial automation devices by creating a pathway for unauthorized access through the exploitation of captured authentication credentials.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability constitutes a classic implementation error in authentication protocols where the system fails to properly validate the authenticity of credentials presented. The flaw allows attackers to bypass normal password validation procedures by submitting pre-captured password hashes obtained through network eavesdropping or other passive reconnaissance methods. This represents a significant deviation from standard security practices and violates fundamental principles of credential handling as outlined in CWE-255, which addresses issues related to password management and authentication mechanisms. The system's failure to properly authenticate users based on actual password values rather than hash comparisons creates an exploitable condition that directly compromises the integrity of the authentication process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables both information disclosure and data tampering capabilities for remote unauthenticated attackers. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, potentially manipulate industrial control parameters, and compromise the overall integrity of the automated systems. This threat scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110.003, which covers credential dumping, and T1566.001, which addresses spearphishing with social engineering. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can target these systems from outside the physical network perimeter, significantly expanding the attack surface and potential impact.
The security implications of CVE-2022-25157 are particularly severe in industrial environments where these devices form critical components of manufacturing and control systems. The vulnerability effectively allows attackers to establish persistent access to industrial processes, potentially leading to operational disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to equipment. Organizations operating these systems face increased risk of industrial espionage, process manipulation, and supply chain compromises. The vulnerability's persistence across all versions of the affected hardware compounds the risk, meaning that even systems with the latest firmware updates remain vulnerable if they have not been properly secured through additional controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate network segmentation and access control implementation to limit exposure of these critical devices. Organizations must implement robust network monitoring to detect potential credential capture activities and establish secure communication channels using encrypted protocols. The recommended approach includes deploying network access controls, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and ensuring that all devices are properly patched and updated according to manufacturer advisories. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar authentication weaknesses in industrial control systems, following industry best practices outlined in standards such as IEC 62443 and NIST SP 800-82 for industrial cybersecurity.