CVE-2022-30275 in MOSCAD Toolbox
Summary
by MITRE • 07/27/2022
The Motorola MOSCAD Toolbox software through 2022-05-02 relies on a cleartext password. It utilizes an MDLC driver to communicate with MOSCAD/ACE RTUs for engineering purposes. Access to these communications is protected by a password stored in cleartext in the wmdlcdrv.ini driver configuration file. In addition, this password is used for access control to MOSCAD/STS projects protected with the Legacy Password feature. In this case, an insecure CRC of the password is present in the project file: this CRC is validated against the password in the driver configuration file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2022-30275 represents a critical security weakness in Motorola's MOSCAD Toolbox software ecosystem, which operates within industrial control systems and process automation environments. This software serves as a communication interface between engineering workstations and Motor Control and Automation Devices through the MDLC (Motorola Data Link Control) driver protocol. The flaw manifests in the improper handling of authentication credentials, specifically through the storage and transmission of passwords in cleartext format, creating multiple attack vectors for unauthorized system access. The vulnerability affects versions of the software up to and including the 2022-05-02 release, indicating a persistent security issue that has remained unaddressed for an extended period within the industrial automation domain.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the software's reliance on cleartext password storage within the wmdlcdrv.ini configuration file, which operates as a fundamental component of the MDLC driver communication stack. This cleartext storage violates established security principles and creates an immediate risk for credential compromise, as any attacker with file system access can directly extract authentication credentials without requiring additional cryptographic attacks or exploitation techniques. The password is not only stored in plain text within the driver configuration but also serves as the authentication mechanism for accessing MOSCAD/STS projects that utilize the Legacy Password feature, creating a cascading security risk where compromise of one credential potentially exposes multiple system access points. The implementation of an insecure CRC algorithm within project files further compounds the vulnerability, as this checksum validation mechanism does not provide cryptographic security and can be easily bypassed or manipulated by attackers who understand the password storage mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass potential system compromise within industrial control environments where MOSCAD Toolbox is deployed. Attackers who gain access to the cleartext password can potentially manipulate industrial processes, modify control parameters, or gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure systems that rely on these automation tools. The vulnerability's presence in engineering workstations that communicate with real-time units (RTUs) creates opportunities for attackers to infiltrate operational technology networks, potentially leading to significant disruptions in industrial processes or even safety hazards. According to the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) catalog, this vulnerability maps to CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-310 (Cryptographic Issues), both of which are classified as high-risk weaknesses that directly impact system security. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1552 (Credentials in Files) and potentially T1078 (Valid Accounts) as attackers can leverage the stored credentials to establish persistent access to industrial control systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through configuration changes and long-term architectural improvements to the software's credential handling mechanisms. Organizations should immediately implement file access controls to restrict access to the wmdlcdrv.ini configuration file and ensure that only authorized personnel can read or modify these sensitive files. The software should be updated to implement proper cryptographic storage mechanisms for passwords, including the use of strong encryption algorithms and secure key management practices. Additionally, the implementation of secure authentication protocols such as TLS/SSL for communication between engineering workstations and RTUs should be enforced to prevent credential interception during transmission. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts to these critical configuration files, while regular security audits should verify that no cleartext credentials remain stored within system configurations. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive security training for industrial automation personnel regarding the risks associated with cleartext credential storage and the importance of implementing proper security controls in operational technology environments.