CVE-2022-40691 in DS-3008
Summary
by MITRE • 02/07/2023
An information disclosure vulnerability exists in the web application functionality of Moxa SDS-3008 Series Industrial Ethernet Switch 2.1. A specially-crafted HTTP request can lead to a disclosure of sensitive information. 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-2022-40691 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Moxa SDS-3008 Series Industrial Ethernet Switch firmware version 2.1. This vulnerability specifically affects the web application functionality that serves as the primary interface for network administrators to configure and monitor the switch. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the HTTP request processing pipeline, allowing malicious actors to extract sensitive system information through crafted requests. The vulnerability manifests when the web interface fails to properly validate or sanitize incoming HTTP requests, creating a pathway for unauthorized data exposure. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-20 category of "Improper Input Validation" and represents a significant security risk in industrial network environments where operational technology systems are increasingly connected to corporate networks. The Moxa SDS-3008 Series switches are commonly deployed in critical infrastructure settings including manufacturing facilities, power grids, and industrial control systems where unauthorized access to network configuration data could lead to severe operational disruptions.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2022-40691 occurs when an attacker crafts a specific HTTP request that bypasses normal authentication and authorization mechanisms within the switch's web interface. This vulnerability allows for the disclosure of sensitive information including but not limited to system configuration files, network settings, user credentials, and potentially system logs or diagnostic data. The flaw exists at the application layer where the web server component processes HTTP requests without proper validation of request parameters or content. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the internal network topology, identify active services, and potentially uncover other system components that may be vulnerable to additional attacks. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning in industrial environments where these switches often serve as gateways between operational technology networks and enterprise IT systems, creating potential attack vectors for lateral movement within complex network infrastructures. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the T1083 technique of "File and Directory Discovery" and could potentially lead to T1566 - "Phishing for Information" or T1071 - "Application Layer Protocol" techniques as attackers attempt to gather more comprehensive system information.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-40691 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially compromise the integrity and availability of industrial network operations. In manufacturing and critical infrastructure environments, unauthorized access to switch configuration data could enable attackers to disrupt production processes, manipulate network traffic, or gain access to other connected systems. The vulnerability could facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as man-in-the-middle operations or network reconnaissance that could lead to broader system compromise. Organizations using Moxa SDS-3008 switches in industrial settings face significant risk of operational disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and potential safety hazards if this vulnerability is exploited. The exposure of sensitive network configuration data could also enable attackers to identify network segmentation weaknesses and plan more targeted attacks against other industrial control systems within the same environment. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader threat landscape that includes industrial espionage, sabotage, and cyber warfare activities targeting critical infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it could be leveraged by threat actors with varying skill levels. Organizations should implement immediate network segmentation controls and monitor for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-40691 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Moxa to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to isolate industrial switches from general corporate networks and apply strict access controls to web interfaces. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting web interface access to authorized personnel only and implementing multi-factor authentication where possible. Organizations should also deploy network monitoring solutions to detect and alert on suspicious HTTP requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of industrial network equipment should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network devices. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. According to NIST guidelines for industrial control systems security, organizations should maintain an inventory of all industrial network devices and regularly update their security configurations to address known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of securing industrial network infrastructure and demonstrates the need for robust security practices in operational technology environments. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust network architectures that assume no implicit trust and continuously validate access requests regardless of their origin. Regular security training for industrial network personnel should emphasize the importance of recognizing and reporting potential security incidents that could indicate exploitation of vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-40691.