CVE-2022-25158 in MELSEC iQ-F FX5U(C)
Summary
by MITRE • 04/02/2022
Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information 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 attacker to disclose or tamper with a file in which password hash is saved in cleartext.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2022
The CVE-2022-25158 vulnerability represents a critical cleartext storage of sensitive information flaw affecting Mitsubishi Electric's MELSEC iQ-F series PLCs including both FX5U(C) and FX5UJ CPU models across all versions. This vulnerability resides in the authentication mechanism of these industrial control systems, where password hash values are stored in plain text format rather than being properly encrypted or hashed. The flaw fundamentally undermines the security posture of these devices by creating a direct pathway for unauthorized access through the exposure of authentication credentials.
This vulnerability operates at the core of the device's security architecture where the system fails to implement proper cryptographic protection for sensitive authentication data. The cleartext storage of password hashes violates fundamental security principles and creates a significant risk vector for attackers who can directly access and manipulate these credentials. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) which specifically addresses the improper handling of sensitive data by storing it without adequate protection mechanisms. The exposure occurs at the file system level where authentication data persists in an easily readable format, making it accessible to any entity with file system access or network connectivity to the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure to encompass potential system compromise and industrial control system disruption. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to the PLC systems, potentially leading to unauthorized control of industrial processes, data manipulation, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform privilege escalation attacks, modify critical control parameters, or execute malicious code within the industrial environment. This represents a significant concern for critical infrastructure sectors where these PLCs are commonly deployed, including manufacturing plants, power generation facilities, and water treatment systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1552 (Credentials in Files) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as it enables attackers to obtain valid credentials through the exploitation of cleartext storage mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-25158 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security enhancements. Organizations should implement immediate network segmentation to isolate affected PLCs from general network access, deploy network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts, and establish robust access controls for system files. The most effective long-term solution involves updating firmware to patched versions that implement proper cryptographic storage of authentication data, ensuring that password hashes are stored using strong hashing algorithms with appropriate salt values. Additionally, security professionals should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of industrial control systems to identify similar cleartext storage issues throughout the network infrastructure, implementing security awareness training for industrial cybersecurity personnel to recognize and prevent such vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include regular security audits and the implementation of continuous monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts.