CVE-2022-41666 in EcoStruxure Operator Terminal Expert
Summary
by MITRE • 11/04/2022
A CWE-347: Improper Verification of Cryptographic Signature vulnerability exists that allows adversaries with local user privileges to load a malicious DLL which could lead to execution of malicious code. Affected Products: EcoStruxure Operator Terminal Expert(V3.3 Hotfix 1 or prior), Pro-face BLUE(V3.3 Hotfix1 or prior).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-41666 represents a critical weakness in the cryptographic signature verification mechanisms of specific industrial automation software platforms. This issue falls under CWE-347, which specifically addresses improper verification of cryptographic signatures, a category that exposes systems to various forms of malicious code execution and privilege escalation attacks. The affected products include EcoStruxure Operator Terminal Expert version 3.3 Hotfix 1 and prior versions, as well as Pro-face BLUE version 3.3 Hotfix 1 and prior versions, both of which are widely used in industrial control systems and operator terminal environments.
The technical flaw manifests when local user accounts can bypass the cryptographic signature verification process that should validate the integrity and authenticity of dynamic link library files. This vulnerability allows an attacker with local access to load a malicious DLL file that would normally be rejected by the system's security mechanisms. The improper verification occurs at the software's digital signature validation layer where the system fails to properly authenticate the cryptographic signatures associated with loaded modules, creating a pathway for code injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the affected industrial control systems. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compromised user account, potentially leading to broader system compromise and unauthorized access to critical industrial processes. In industrial environments where these products are deployed, such as manufacturing facilities, power generation plants, and process control systems, this vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate operational procedures, disrupt production processes, or gain access to sensitive operational data. The implications are particularly severe given that these products are designed for environments where system integrity and security are paramount.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest available versions of the affected software, which would include the relevant hotfixes that address the cryptographic signature verification issue. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, application whitelisting, and enhanced monitoring of DLL loading activities. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and execution, and organizations should review their defensive strategies against these attack patterns. Security teams should conduct comprehensive assessments of their industrial control system environments to identify any instances where these vulnerable products are deployed and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent exploitation attempts.