CVE-2022-36558 in SkyBridge MB-A100
Summary
by MITRE • 08/30/2022
Seiko SkyBridge MB-A100/A110 v4.2.0 and below implements a hard-coded passcode for the root account. Attackers are able to access the passcord via the file /etc/ciel.cfg.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-36558 represents a critical security flaw in Seiko SkyBridge MB-A100 and MB-A110 devices running firmware versions v4.2.0 and earlier. This issue stems from a fundamental design weakness where the system implements a hard-coded passcode for the root account, creating an inherent backdoor that undermines the device's security posture. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it provides attackers with a direct path to administrative access without requiring any authentication challenges or credential guessing attempts.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the storage of a hardcoded root password within the device's configuration file system at the path /etc/ciel.cfg. This configuration file contains sensitive authentication credentials that are embedded directly into the firmware rather than being generated dynamically or stored securely. The presence of such hard-coded credentials violates fundamental security principles and creates a persistent attack vector that remains viable across device reboots and firmware updates. This approach directly aligns with CWE-798, which categorizes the use of hard-coded credentials as a severe weakness in software security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with full administrative privileges on the affected devices. Once an attacker gains access through the hardcoded passcode, they can manipulate device configurations, extract sensitive data, modify system files, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The implications are particularly severe in industrial control environments where these devices may be deployed for critical infrastructure monitoring and control. The vulnerability enables adversaries to conduct reconnaissance, escalate privileges, and potentially disrupt operations or compromise downstream systems that rely on the affected devices.
From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several tactics outlined in the ATT&CK framework, specifically covering credential access and privilege escalation techniques. The ability to obtain the root password through file enumeration and extraction represents a straightforward path to system compromise that requires minimal technical skill or resources. Security professionals should recognize that this vulnerability demonstrates a failure in secure configuration management and proper credential handling practices. The presence of hardcoded credentials in production firmware indicates a lack of proper security testing and code review processes that should have identified and remediated this weakness before deployment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-36558 should include immediate firmware updates from Seiko to address the hardcoded passcode issue, along with comprehensive network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromise. Organizations should implement continuous monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and establish secure configuration baselines that prohibit the use of hardcoded credentials. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough inventory audits to identify all affected devices and ensure proper credential management practices are implemented. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of avoiding hardcoded credentials in embedded systems and implementing proper authentication mechanisms that can be managed securely throughout the device lifecycle.