CVE-2022-33324 in MELSEC iQ-R
Summary
by MITRE • 12/23/2022
Improper Resource Shutdown or Release vulnerability in Mitsubishi Electric Corporation MELSEC iQ-R Series R00/01/02CPU Firmware versions "32" and prior, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation MELSEC iQ-R Series R04/08/16/32/120(EN)CPU Firmware versions "65" and prior, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation MELSEC iQ-R Series R08/16/32/120SFCPU all versions, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation MELSEC iQ-R Series R12CCPU-V all versions, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation MELSEC iQ-L Series L04/08/16/32HCPU all versions and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation MELIPC Series MI5122-VW all versions allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to cause a Denial of Service condition in Ethernet communication on the module by sending specially crafted packets. A system reset of the module is required for recovery.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical improper resource shutdown or release flaw affecting multiple Mitsubishi Electric Corporation industrial control systems within the MELSEC iQ-R and MELSEC iQ-L product lines. The issue specifically impacts firmware versions 32 and prior for R00/01/02 CPUs, firmware versions 65 and prior for R04/08/16/32/120(EN) CPUs, all versions of R08/16/32/120SFCPU, all versions of R12CCPU-V, all versions of L04/08/16/32HCPU, and all versions of MI5122-VW. The vulnerability exists at the network communication layer where the system fails to properly handle resource cleanup when processing Ethernet packets, creating a condition where malicious actors can trigger resource exhaustion through crafted network traffic. This represents a direct violation of CWE-404, which addresses improper resource management and release, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate handling of network packet processing within the Ethernet communication modules of these industrial controllers. When specially crafted packets are transmitted to the affected systems, the firmware fails to properly terminate or release allocated network resources, leading to progressive resource consumption that eventually results in system instability. The attacker requires no authentication credentials to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where network accessibility may be limited but not completely restricted. The resource exhaustion manifests as a complete denial of service condition that renders Ethernet communication inoperable, requiring a full system reset to restore normal functionality, which can have severe implications for industrial process control and automation systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise industrial control processes that depend on reliable network communication. In manufacturing environments, this could lead to production halts, safety system failures, or process control interruptions that may result in physical damage to equipment or environmental hazards. The requirement for system reset creates additional operational complexity, as it may necessitate coordinated downtime activities that could impact production schedules and operational continuity. Industrial systems often operate in continuous modes where unexpected resets can trigger cascading failures throughout connected processes, particularly in complex automation architectures where multiple controllers communicate through Ethernet networks.
Organizations should implement immediate network segmentation strategies to isolate affected industrial control systems from general network access, reducing the attack surface for remote exploitation. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while regular firmware updates should be prioritized to address the underlying resource management issues. Security controls should include implementing network access controls and firewall rules that restrict Ethernet communication to authorized endpoints only. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust resource management practices in embedded industrial systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of firmware components before deployment in operational environments. Additionally, organizations should establish incident response procedures specifically addressing industrial control system denial of service conditions to minimize operational impact during potential exploitation events.