CVE-2022-3089 in SmartServer
Summary
by MITRE • 02/13/2023
Echelon SmartServer 2.2 with i.LON Vision 2.2 stores cleartext credentials in a file, which could allow an attacker to obtain cleartext usernames and passwords of the SmartServer. If the attacker obtains the file, then the credentials could be used to control the web user interface and file transfer protocol (FTP) server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-3089 affects the Echelon SmartServer 2.2 system running i.LON Vision 2.2 software, representing a critical security flaw in industrial control systems. This weakness stems from the improper handling of authentication credentials within the system's architecture, specifically through the storage of cleartext passwords in a readily accessible file location. The flaw exposes sensitive authentication data that should remain protected and encrypted, creating a significant risk for operational technology environments where security is paramount.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the SmartServer's failure to properly secure user authentication information, resulting in cleartext credentials being stored in a file that lacks adequate access controls or encryption mechanisms. This design flaw allows any entity with access to the system's file structure to read and extract username and password combinations directly from the storage location. The vulnerability specifically impacts the web user interface and FTP server components of the SmartServer, providing attackers with legitimate access credentials that can be leveraged to establish unauthorized control over critical system functions.
From an operational standpoint, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential operational disruption. An attacker who successfully accesses the cleartext credentials can gain unauthorized administrative access to the SmartServer's web interface, enabling them to modify system configurations, view sensitive operational data, and potentially manipulate industrial processes. Additionally, the FTP server credentials provide access to file transfer capabilities that could allow attackers to upload malicious files, modify system files, or exfiltrate confidential data from the industrial control environment.
The security implications of CVE-2022-3089 align with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage of credentials, and represents a direct violation of security best practices for authentication management. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts used for lateral movement, as attackers can leverage the obtained credentials to move throughout the network. The flaw demonstrates poor security hygiene in industrial control system design, where authentication data should be protected through proper encryption, access controls, and secure credential management practices that are standard in modern security frameworks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting file system access to the credential storage location, implementing proper access controls and permissions, and considering immediate credential rotation for all affected systems. Long-term solutions should involve upgrading to versions that properly encrypt credentials, implementing network segmentation to isolate critical industrial control systems, and establishing robust monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure credential storage practices in operational technology environments and highlights the need for regular security assessments of industrial control systems to identify and remediate similar weaknesses that could lead to system compromise and operational disruption.