CVE-2022-25160 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 unauthenticated attacker to disclose a file in a legitimate user's product by using previously eavesdropped cleartext information and to counterfeit a legitimate user's system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2022
The CVE-2022-25160 vulnerability represents a critical cleartext storage of sensitive information flaw affecting Mitsubishi Electric's MELSEC iQ-F series FX5U(C) and FX5UJ CPU devices across all versions. This vulnerability exposes the system to remote unauthenticated attackers who can exploit previously eavesdropped cleartext communications to access legitimate user files and impersonate authorized systems. The flaw fundamentally undermines the security posture of industrial control systems by storing sensitive authentication and operational data in an easily readable format without proper encryption or protection mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where operational technology security is paramount.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of sensitive data within the Mitsubishi Electric industrial automation hardware. When these devices communicate over networks, they transmit authentication credentials, operational parameters, and system configuration details in cleartext format rather than employing robust encryption protocols. Attackers can capture these network packets through passive eavesdropping techniques and subsequently extract valuable information to gain unauthorized access to the system. The flaw enables attackers to not only read sensitive files but also to forge legitimate user sessions and system interactions, effectively allowing complete system compromise without requiring authentication. This represents a significant violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the cryptographic implementation of the affected industrial control systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-25160 extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass complete system compromise and potential operational disruption in industrial environments. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can access critical system files containing user credentials, configuration data, and operational parameters that could lead to unauthorized control of industrial processes. The ability to counterfeit legitimate user systems creates a persistent threat where attackers can maintain long-term access to industrial networks while remaining undetected. This vulnerability particularly affects manufacturing, energy, and critical infrastructure sectors where Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC systems are commonly deployed, potentially leading to production disruptions, safety hazards, and significant financial losses. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the facilities, making the attack surface much broader than traditional industrial security threats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-25160 must address both immediate protective measures and long-term architectural improvements to secure industrial control systems. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks while ensuring that any remaining communications utilize encrypted protocols such as TLS or SSL. Network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and alert on unusual traffic patterns that may indicate eavesdropping activities or unauthorized access attempts. Device firmware updates from Mitsubishi Electric should be prioritized to address the root cause of the vulnerability, though organizations must verify that these updates do not introduce compatibility issues with existing industrial processes. The implementation of secure remote access solutions and mandatory encryption for all network communications represents a fundamental shift from the current vulnerable state. This vulnerability highlights the importance of applying the principle of defense in depth and demonstrates that industrial security cannot rely solely on physical security measures but must incorporate robust network security and encryption practices consistent with NIST SP 800-82 guidelines for industrial control systems security.