CVE-2022-30232 in Wiser Smart
Summary
by MITRE • 06/03/2022
A CWE-20: Improper Input Validation vulnerability exists that could cause potential remote code execution when an attacker is able to intercept and modify a request on the same network or has configuration access to an ION device on the network. Affected Products: Wiser Smart, EER21000 & EER21001 (V4.5 and prior)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-30232 represents a critical improper input validation flaw classified under CWE-20 that affects specific ION device models including the Wiser Smart, EER21000, and EER21001 versions 4.5 and earlier. This weakness creates a potential remote code execution vector that could be exploited by malicious actors with varying levels of network access. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input within the device's processing pipeline, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass normal security controls. The affected devices operate within industrial control systems and energy management environments where security is paramount for operational continuity and safety.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker with network interception capabilities or configuration access to manipulate requests sent to the affected ION devices. When such modified requests are processed, the system fails to properly validate the input parameters, enabling the execution of arbitrary code on the target device. This flaw specifically impacts the device's request handling mechanism where input validation occurs too late in the processing cycle or not at all for certain data fields. The vulnerability's exploitation requires either man-in-the-middle capabilities to intercept and modify network traffic or legitimate configuration access to the device, making it particularly concerning for environments where physical or network access controls may be insufficient.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized code execution to potentially compromise entire industrial control systems. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain persistent access to the device, modify configuration settings, or even disrupt critical operations within energy management infrastructure. The affected EER21000 and EER21001 models are commonly deployed in industrial environments where such disruptions could have cascading effects on power distribution and monitoring systems. The Wiser Smart device variant adds additional risk as it typically serves as a gateway or interface device in these networks, potentially providing attackers with elevated privileges or access to broader network segments.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the execution and privilege escalation categories where attackers could use this flaw to establish persistent access and move laterally within affected networks. The vulnerability's classification as a CWE-20 improper input validation issue aligns with common attack patterns involving injection flaws that have been consistently identified across various industrial control systems. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation, enhanced monitoring for anomalous request patterns, and mandatory firmware updates to address the validation gaps in the affected device implementations. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust input validation practices in embedded systems and industrial IoT devices where the consequences of exploitation can extend far beyond individual device compromise to affect entire operational environments.