CVE-2022-33860 in SMP SG-4260
Summary
by MITRE • 11/26/2024
Denial-of-service vulnerability in the web server of the Eaton SMP SG-4260 allows
attacker to potentially force an unexpected restart of the SMP Gateway automation platform, impacting the availability of the product. In rare situations, the issue could cause the SMP device to restart in Safe Mode or Max Safe Mode. When in Max Safe Mode, the product is not vulnerable anymore.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2026
This vulnerability represents a denial-of-service condition affecting the web server component of Eaton's SMP SG-4260 gateway automation platform. The flaw manifests through crafted requests or malformed inputs that can trigger unexpected system behavior in the web server daemon. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can force an unintended restart of the entire SMP Gateway automation platform, creating an availability disruption that impacts operational continuity. The vulnerability specifically targets the web server implementation within the device's firmware, making it accessible through network-based attacks that leverage the platform's HTTP interface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the web server component. When the system receives malformed or specially crafted requests, it fails to properly process these inputs, leading to a cascade of failures that ultimately results in system restart. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-129 Input Validation and CWE-20 Improper Input Validation categories, where insufficient validation allows malicious inputs to trigger unexpected behavior. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning as it can potentially force the device into Safe Mode or Max Safe Mode, which represents a significant operational degradation that limits system functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service interruption to potentially compromise the reliability of industrial automation systems. When the device restarts into Safe Mode or Max Safe Mode, it operates with reduced functionality and security protections, making the system more vulnerable to additional attacks. The restart mechanism itself can cause disruption to connected systems that depend on the SMP gateway for automation control, potentially leading to production downtime or process interruptions. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 Network Denial of Service, as it enables the disruption of network services through the exploitation of web server vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing network segmentation to limit access to the web interface, applying firmware updates from Eaton when available, and configuring access controls to restrict who can reach the vulnerable web server component. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual restart patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's rarity suggests that it may be difficult to exploit consistently, but the potential for forced restart into Safe Mode or Max Safe Mode makes it a significant concern for industrial control systems. Security teams should prioritize patch management for affected devices and consider conducting vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable components within the same product line.