CVE-2022-30271 in ACE1000
Summary
by MITRE • 07/27/2022
The Motorola ACE1000 RTU through 2022-05-02 ships with a hardcoded SSH private key and initialization scripts (such as /etc/init.d/sshd_service) only generate a new key if no private-key file exists. Thus, this hardcoded key is likely to be used by default.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-30271 represents a critical security flaw in Motorola ACE1000 Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) that affects devices shipped through May 2, 2022. This issue stems from a fundamental design flaw in the device's secure shell implementation where a hardcoded private key is embedded within the firmware. The vulnerability manifests in the initialization scripts, particularly the /etc/init.d/sshd_service file, which follows a flawed logic pattern that fails to properly handle key generation. When the system initializes, it checks for the existence of a private key file and only generates a new key if none exists, creating a scenario where the hardcoded key remains active by default. This design pattern violates fundamental security principles and creates a persistent backdoor that can be exploited by attackers who gain access to the device's network interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms and key management flaws in embedded systems. The hardcoded key represents a classic case of hardcoding credentials within software, a practice that directly violates secure coding guidelines and industry best practices. The flaw operates at the system initialization level where the SSH daemon startup scripts fail to properly implement key rotation mechanisms, leaving devices vulnerable to unauthorized access through predictable authentication methods. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects industrial control systems where device security is paramount and unauthorized access could lead to critical infrastructure compromise. The default usage of the hardcoded key means that even properly configured devices remain vulnerable until manual intervention occurs, creating a persistent threat vector that persists across device reboots and normal operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential compromise of entire industrial control networks. Attackers who discover the hardcoded key can establish persistent access to the RTU without requiring additional authentication factors or exploiting other vulnerabilities. This creates a significant risk for operational technology environments where these devices typically operate in isolated networks but may still be accessible through various attack vectors. The vulnerability can be exploited through standard network reconnaissance techniques to identify devices with the hardcoded key, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-reward vulnerability that can provide a foothold for more extensive attacks, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system manipulation, or disruption of critical processes. The vulnerability also intersects with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering and initial access methods, as the hardcoded key essentially provides a form of credential compromise that requires no complex exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-30271 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security architecture improvements. Organizations should immediately update firmware on affected devices to versions that properly implement key generation mechanisms and replace the hardcoded keys with dynamically generated ones. The remediation process requires careful consideration of the device's operational environment, as forced firmware updates may require physical access or specialized procedures. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to these devices, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar hardcoded credentials in other industrial equipment. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing proper key management practices in embedded systems, including regular key rotation, secure key storage mechanisms, and robust initialization procedures that do not rely on hardcoded credentials. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts to these devices and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to industrial control system vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include comprehensive staff training on secure device management and the importance of avoiding hardcoded credentials in critical infrastructure systems.