CVE-2022-30233 in Wiser Smart
Summary
by MITRE • 06/03/2022
A CWE-20: Improper Input Validation vulnerability exists that could allow the product to be maliciously manipulated when the user is tricked into performing certain actions on a webpage. Affected Products: Wiser Smart, EER21000 & EER21001 (V4.5 and prior)
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-30233 represents a critical improper input validation flaw categorized under CWE-20 within the Wiser Smart ecosystem, specifically affecting EER21000 and EER21001 models running firmware versions V4.5 and earlier. This weakness manifests in the product's failure to adequately validate user-supplied input data, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability's exploitation requires social engineering elements where users must be tricked into performing specific actions on compromised webpages, making it particularly dangerous in environments where end-user awareness may be limited. The affected Wiser Smart devices operate within the Internet of Things (IoT) domain, where security vulnerabilities can have cascading effects on connected networks and broader infrastructure. The improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate device behavior through crafted inputs that bypass normal validation checks, potentially leading to unauthorized access or system compromise. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in smart home and industrial IoT environments where devices may control critical functions such as lighting, security systems, or environmental controls. The security implications extend beyond simple data corruption, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code or gain elevated privileges within the device's operating environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malicious actors craft specific inputs that exploit the insufficient validation mechanisms within the affected firmware versions. Attackers can leverage this weakness by creating malicious web content that, when interacted with by users, triggers the vulnerable code paths within the device's web interface. The attack surface is primarily through web-based interfaces that users might access during normal device configuration or monitoring activities. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation or code execution. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires minimal user interaction beyond being tricked into performing actions, making it particularly effective in phishing or drive-by download scenarios. The device's failure to properly sanitize or validate inputs allows attackers to inject malicious data that could alter device behavior, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The affected products' web interfaces likely handle various user inputs including configuration parameters, authentication credentials, or operational commands, all of which could be manipulated through this vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-30233 extends beyond immediate device compromise to potentially affect broader network security and user privacy. When exploited, the vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to smart home or industrial environments, potentially allowing them to monitor device operations, manipulate settings, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects devices that are typically deployed in residential and commercial settings where security may not be prioritized, making these environments particularly susceptible to exploitation. Organizations using these devices for critical infrastructure or security applications face heightened risks as the compromised devices could serve as entry points for more extensive network intrusions. The attack vector's reliance on social engineering elements means that even technically savvy users might fall victim to well-crafted phishing campaigns targeting these specific device interfaces. This vulnerability also represents a significant concern for compliance with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-82, which emphasizes the importance of input validation and secure coding practices in industrial control systems. The potential for persistent access through this vulnerability could allow attackers to maintain long-term presence within affected networks, making detection and remediation more challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-30233 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the vendor, as this represents the most effective solution for addressing the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation, particularly for devices that are not critical to core operations. Security awareness training for end-users becomes essential in preventing successful social engineering attacks that could exploit this vulnerability. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls at network boundaries can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other IoT devices within the network infrastructure. Device vendors should implement more robust input validation mechanisms and follow secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. The vulnerability highlights the need for continuous security monitoring and rapid response protocols, particularly for IoT devices that may not receive regular security updates from end-users. Organizations should also consider implementing device authentication and encryption mechanisms to reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that updates do not disrupt legitimate device functionality while effectively addressing the identified vulnerability.