CVE-2022-30274 in ACE1000
Summary
by MITRE • 07/27/2022
The Motorola ACE1000 RTU through 2022-05-02 uses ECB encryption unsafely. It can communicate with an XRT LAN-to-radio gateway by means of an embedded client. Credentials for accessing this gateway are stored after being encrypted with the Tiny Encryption Algorithm (TEA) in ECB mode using a hardcoded key. Similarly, the ACE1000 RTU can route MDLC traffic over Extended Command and Management Protocol (XCMP) and Network Layer (XNL) networks via the MDLC driver. Authentication to the XNL port is protected by TEA in ECB mode using a hardcoded key.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-30274 affects the Motorola ACE1000 Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) through the 2022-05-02 firmware version, presenting a critical security weakness in the device's cryptographic implementation. This RTU operates within industrial control systems and is designed to communicate with XRT LAN-to-radio gateways through an embedded client mechanism, establishing a communication pathway that relies on insecure encryption practices. The device's security model fundamentally relies on a hardcoded cryptographic key that remains static across all affected units, creating a single point of failure that undermines the entire security architecture.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper implementation of the Tiny Encryption Algorithm (TEA) in Electronic Codebook (ECB) mode, which represents a well-documented cryptographic weakness classified under CWE-327. ECB mode encryption is inherently insecure because identical plaintext blocks produce identical ciphertext blocks, allowing attackers to perform pattern analysis and potentially reconstruct sensitive information. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because the same hardcoded key is used for both credential storage and authentication protection, creating a cascading security failure where compromising one cryptographic function immediately compromises the other. The use of TEA in ECB mode violates fundamental cryptographic principles and represents a clear violation of security best practices as outlined in NIST SP 800-38A.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems through multiple communication channels. The embedded client communication with XRT gateways provides a direct pathway for attackers to potentially manipulate or monitor industrial processes, while the MDLC driver functionality for XCMP and XNL network traffic creates additional attack vectors for network infiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, eavesdrop on sensitive communications, or execute unauthorized commands against the industrial infrastructure. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these communication channels are likely critical for operational technology environments, where system availability and integrity are paramount. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1566 for initial access through credential theft and T1071 for application layer protocols.
The security implications of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, as the hardcoded key approach eliminates any possibility of cryptographic key rotation or management, making the system permanently vulnerable to attacks. The combination of credential storage and authentication protection using the same insecure encryption mechanism creates a situation where a single compromise can lead to complete system infiltration. Organizations implementing these devices face significant risk of operational disruption, data compromise, and potential safety hazards in industrial environments where these RTUs may control critical infrastructure. The vulnerability represents a classic case of poor cryptographic implementation that violates fundamental security principles and should be addressed through immediate firmware updates, network segmentation, and potentially hardware replacement where updates are not available. The use of ECB mode encryption in this context demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of cryptographic security requirements and represents a failure to implement proper security controls as required by industrial security frameworks and standards.