CVE-2022-30269 in ACE1000 RTU
Summary
by MITRE • 07/27/2022
Motorola ACE1000 RTUs through 2022-05-02 mishandle application integrity. They allow for custom application installation via either STS software, the C toolkit, or the ACE1000 Easy Configurator. In the case of the Easy Configurator, application images (as PLX/DAT/APP/CRC files) are uploaded via the Web UI. In case of the C toolkit, they are transferred and installed using SFTP/SSH. In each case, application images were found to have no authentication (in the form of firmware signing) and only relied on insecure checksums for regular integrity checks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-30269 affects Motorola ACE1000 Remote Terminal Units operating with firmware versions through 2022-05-02, representing a critical weakness in the device's application integrity mechanisms. These industrial control devices are commonly deployed in critical infrastructure environments where security is paramount, yet they fail to implement proper authentication mechanisms for application installation processes. The vulnerability stems from the absence of firmware signing requirements, creating a significant attack surface where malicious actors can potentially install unauthorized applications without proper authorization. This flaw particularly impacts the device's trust model, as it relies solely on insecure checksums for integrity verification rather than implementing robust cryptographic authentication methods.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through multiple installation pathways that all lack proper authentication mechanisms. When utilizing the ACE1000 Easy Configurator, application images are uploaded via the web interface using PLX/DAT/APP/CRC file formats, with no verification of the image's authenticity or origin. Similarly, the C toolkit installation process employs SFTP/SSH protocols for transferring and installing applications, yet fails to implement any form of digital signature verification or certificate validation. This absence of authentication creates a fundamental security gap where attackers can replace legitimate applications with malicious payloads, potentially compromising the entire industrial control system. The reliance on checksums for integrity verification represents a weak security control that can be easily bypassed through simple file manipulation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of industrial control systems that depend on these devices. Attackers can exploit this weakness to install backdoors, modify critical control logic, or introduce malicious code that operates undetected within the control environment. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-311, which describes the absence of encryption or authentication mechanisms in data transmission and storage, and reflects the broader category of weak cryptographic implementation. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability enables adversaries to perform supply chain attacks or insider threat exploitation, potentially leading to significant operational disruptions or safety hazards in industrial environments. The impact is particularly severe in critical infrastructure sectors where these devices control essential services such as power grid operations, water treatment facilities, or manufacturing processes.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate affected devices from general network access, implementing strict access controls for web interfaces and SFTP/SSH services, and establishing monitoring procedures for unauthorized application installations. The implementation of firmware signing requirements and cryptographic verification mechanisms should be prioritized as part of a comprehensive security strategy. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across industrial control system environments. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper authentication and integrity verification mechanisms in industrial control systems, aligning with NIST SP 800-82 guidelines for industrial control system security. The attack surface expansion through multiple installation vectors emphasizes the need for defense-in-depth approaches that protect against various attack paths while maintaining operational continuity in critical infrastructure environments.