CVE-2022-40693 in DS-3008
Summary
by MITRE • 02/07/2023
A cleartext transmission vulnerability exists in the web application functionality of Moxa SDS-3008 Series Industrial Ethernet Switch 2.1. A specially-crafted network sniffing can lead to a disclosure of sensitive information. An attacker can sniff network traffic to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2023
The CVE-2022-40693 vulnerability represents a critical cleartext transmission flaw within the Moxa SDS-3008 Series Industrial Ethernet Switch version 2.1 web application interface. This vulnerability exposes sensitive operational data through unencrypted network communications, creating a significant security risk for industrial environments where network monitoring and data integrity are paramount. The affected device operates within industrial control systems and automation networks where secure communication protocols are essential for maintaining operational technology security posture. The vulnerability specifically affects the web-based management interface functionality, which is commonly used for device configuration, monitoring, and administrative tasks within industrial settings.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the device's failure to employ encrypted communication channels for web application traffic. When administrators or authorized users access the switch's web interface, sensitive information including configuration parameters, user credentials, and operational data are transmitted in plaintext format across the network. Network sniffing tools can easily capture this unencrypted traffic, allowing attackers to extract confidential information without requiring sophisticated attack vectors or privileged access. The vulnerability is classified as a cleartext transmission issue under CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through unencrypted network communications. This flaw directly violates fundamental security principles established in industrial cybersecurity frameworks where encrypted communications are mandatory for protecting operational technology infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to gain intelligence about the industrial network environment and potentially escalate their attacks. An attacker who successfully intercepts network traffic can obtain administrative credentials, device configuration details, and other sensitive operational information that could be used for further exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which involves network service scanning and reconnaissance activities, as the captured information could enable attackers to map network topology and identify additional targets within the industrial environment. The exposure of administrative credentials through cleartext transmission significantly increases the risk of unauthorized access to critical industrial infrastructure, potentially leading to operational disruption, data compromise, or even physical system compromise in connected industrial control systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-40693 should prioritize immediate implementation of network encryption protocols and access controls. Organizations should enforce the use of HTTPS and TLS encryption for all web application communications, ensuring that sensitive data is protected during transmission. Network administrators should implement mandatory encryption policies and disable cleartext protocols where possible. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs specifically tailored for industrial environments. Device firmware updates should be applied immediately when available from Moxa, as this represents a critical security patch that addresses the fundamental flaw in network communication protocols. Additional protective measures include network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and regular monitoring of network traffic for suspicious activity. Security teams should also consider implementing network access controls and authentication mechanisms that reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation opportunities. The remediation process should follow established industrial cybersecurity standards including NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443 guidelines for protecting industrial control systems from network-based attacks.