CVE-2022-40224 in DS-3008
Summary
by MITRE • 02/07/2023
A denial of service vulnerability exists in the web server functionality of Moxa SDS-3008 Series Industrial Ethernet Switch 2.1. A specially-crafted HTTP message header can lead to denial of service. An attacker can send an HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2023
The CVE-2022-40224 vulnerability represents a critical denial of service weakness within the Moxa SDS-3008 Series Industrial Ethernet Switch firmware version 2.1. This vulnerability specifically targets the web server component that handles HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where network availability is paramount. The affected device operates as a industrial-grade network switch that provides both wired and wireless connectivity while maintaining web-based management interfaces for configuration and monitoring purposes. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the HTTP message header processing logic, which fails to properly sanitize or limit the size and content of incoming HTTP headers. This flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to craft malicious HTTP requests that exploit the web server's parsing mechanisms, leading to system instability and complete service disruption. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an insufficient validation of length, which directly relates to improper handling of input data that exceeds expected boundaries. The attack vector requires only a basic HTTP request to be sent to the device, making exploitation straightforward and accessible to adversaries with minimal technical expertise. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as this vulnerability can affect industrial control systems where network availability directly correlates with operational safety and production continuity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer over-read or memory corruption issue within the web server's HTTP header parsing routine. When the switch receives an HTTP request containing a crafted header, the web server component attempts to process the header data without adequate bounds checking or length validation. This processing failure causes the system to either enter an infinite loop, consume excessive memory resources, or crash entirely, resulting in a complete denial of service state. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically targeting the HTTP protocol implementation that serves the web management interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending HTTP requests with oversized or malformed headers that cause the web server to malfunction, effectively taking the device offline and preventing legitimate administrative access. The system's inability to properly handle malformed input represents a fundamental flaw in the security architecture, as it fails to implement proper input sanitization techniques that are standard practice in secure application development. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which covers network denial of service attacks, specifically targeting network infrastructure components to disrupt service availability. The exploitation process does not require elevated privileges or specialized tools, making it accessible to a broad range of threat actors including those with limited cybersecurity knowledge.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-40224 extends far beyond simple network disruption in industrial environments where the Moxa SDS-3008 Series switches are commonly deployed. These devices typically serve as critical network infrastructure components in manufacturing facilities, power plants, and other industrial control systems where network availability is essential for maintaining operational continuity. When a switch becomes unavailable due to this denial of service vulnerability, it can result in complete loss of network connectivity for connected industrial devices, potentially leading to production halts, safety incidents, or system failures. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access to the device, increasing the attack surface and making the system more vulnerable to various threat actors. In environments where these switches are part of critical infrastructure, the consequences of a successful attack could include significant financial losses, regulatory compliance issues, and potential safety hazards. The affected firmware version 2.1 represents a specific release that contains this vulnerability, indicating that proper security testing and quality assurance processes may have been inadequate during the software development lifecycle. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation further compounds the risk, as any network-connected attacker can potentially disrupt service without needing to overcome additional security barriers. Organizations relying on these switches must consider the broader implications of network availability on their industrial operations, as this vulnerability can effectively render critical network infrastructure non-functional.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-40224 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate response involves applying the vendor-provided firmware update that addresses the HTTP header processing vulnerability, which typically includes enhanced input validation and proper bounds checking mechanisms. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate affected switches from critical industrial control systems, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls that limit HTTP traffic to the switch management interfaces to authorized administrative networks only, reducing the attack surface. Regular network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect unusual HTTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a web server input validation issue highlights the importance of implementing proper security controls at the application layer, including input sanitization, length validation, and error handling mechanisms. Organizations should also establish robust patch management processes to ensure timely application of security updates for industrial network equipment, as this vulnerability demonstrates the risks associated with outdated firmware in industrial environments. Implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on malformed HTTP requests can provide early warning of exploitation attempts, allowing for rapid response and mitigation. Additionally, security awareness training for industrial network administrators should emphasize the importance of keeping industrial equipment updated and the risks associated with unpatched vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for proper security testing and validation of industrial network equipment before deployment in operational environments.