CVE-2022-2792 in Proficy Machine Edition
Summary
by MITRE • 08/20/2022
Emerson Electric's Proficy Machine Edition Version 9.00 and prior is vulenrable to CWE-284 Improper Access Control, and stores project data in a directory with improper access control lists.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2022
Emerson Electric's Proficy Machine Edition software version 9.00 and earlier contains a critical access control vulnerability classified as CWE-284 Improper Access Control, which fundamentally compromises the security posture of industrial control systems. This vulnerability resides in the software's handling of project data storage mechanisms where sensitive configuration files and operational parameters are persisted in directories lacking proper access control lists. The flaw enables unauthorized users to gain access to confidential industrial data, system configurations, and operational parameters that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the software's failure to properly enforce directory-level permissions during project data storage operations. When Proficy Machine Edition creates project directories to store configuration files, it does not adequately restrict access permissions, allowing any user account on the system to read, modify, or delete sensitive project data. This misconfiguration creates a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by both local and potentially remote attackers who gain access to the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial environments where operational technology systems require strict access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications that could disrupt critical processes or compromise safety systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate industrial control configurations, potentially leading to system instability, operational disruptions, or even safety hazards in critical infrastructure environments. Attackers could exploit this weakness to modify project parameters, inject malicious configurations, or extract sensitive information about system architecture and operational procedures that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of industrial control system data, potentially enabling attackers to gain deeper insights into operational processes and system vulnerabilities. This weakness can be exploited as part of broader attack campaigns targeting industrial control systems, particularly in environments where multiple users share systems or where security boundaries are not properly enforced.
Organizations using Proficy Machine Edition version 9.00 or earlier should immediately implement compensating controls including manual access list configuration, regular security audits of project directories, and implementation of network segmentation to limit access to affected systems. The recommended mitigation involves upgrading to the latest available version of Proficy Machine Edition that addresses this access control flaw, while also ensuring that all project directories are properly configured with restrictive access permissions. Security teams should conduct comprehensive assessments of their industrial control system environments to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and implement proper access control measures. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack tactic of privilege escalation and persistence within industrial control system environments, as described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for industrial control systems. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive project directories and establish proper incident response procedures for potential exploitation of this access control weakness.