CVE-2022-2988 in SoMachine HVAC
Summary
by MITRE • 01/30/2023
A CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability exists that could cause sensitive information leakage when accessing a malicious web page from the commissioning software. Affected Products: SoMachine HVAC(V2.1.0 and prior), EcoStruxure Machine Expert – HVAC(V1.4.0 and prior).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition classified as CWE-787 that affects industrial automation software systems. The flaw manifests when users access malicious web pages through commissioning software interfaces, creating a pathway for sensitive information disclosure. The affected products include SoMachine HVAC version 2.1.0 and earlier, as well as EcoStruxure Machine Expert – HVAC version 1.4.0 and prior releases, indicating this vulnerability impacts foundational industrial control software used in building automation and HVAC systems. The vulnerability arises from insufficient bounds checking during memory operations when processing web content within the commissioning environment, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layouts and potentially extract confidential data from system memory. This issue falls under the broader category of memory safety vulnerabilities that can lead to information disclosure, privilege escalation, and system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through web-based attack vectors where malicious content is loaded into the commissioning software interface. When the affected software processes crafted web pages, the out-of-bounds write operation can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially exposing sensitive data such as system credentials, configuration parameters, or operational details. The attack surface is particularly concerning in industrial environments where commissioning software serves as a critical interface for system configuration and monitoring. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for script-based execution and T1566 for spearphishing with attachment, as attackers could deliver malicious web content through compromised websites or email attachments targeting industrial control system personnel. The memory corruption aspect of this flaw also connects to CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow patterns that have historically enabled information disclosure attacks in industrial control systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information leakage to potentially compromise entire industrial control environments. In HVAC commissioning scenarios, unauthorized access to system information could enable attackers to understand building automation protocols, identify vulnerable control points, or plan more sophisticated attacks against critical infrastructure. The affected software versions suggest this vulnerability has existed for multiple releases, indicating a prolonged window of exposure for industrial facilities using these systems. Organizations relying on these commissioning tools face increased risk of targeted attacks that could lead to operational disruption, data compromise, or even physical safety impacts in building automation systems. The vulnerability's presence in commissioning software is particularly dangerous because these tools are often used in environments with high security requirements and may contain privileged access to operational systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates and security hardening measures. Organizations must prioritize updating to patched versions of SoMachine HVAC and EcoStruxure Machine Expert – HVAC software to eliminate the out-of-bounds write vulnerability. Network segmentation and web filtering should be implemented to prevent access to untrusted web content from commissioning environments, particularly blocking access to external websites during critical configuration activities. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual memory access patterns or unexpected web content loading within commissioning interfaces. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls for commissioning software and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control system interfaces will help reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability's classification as CWE-787 emphasizes the importance of robust input validation and memory boundary checking in industrial software development practices, aligning with NIST SP 800-82 guidelines for industrial control system security. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions specifically designed for industrial environments to prevent exploitation of similar memory safety vulnerabilities in other industrial control system components.