CVE-2022-45138 in Compact Controller CC100
Summary
by MITRE • 02/27/2023
The configuration backend of the web-based management can be used by unauthenticated users, although only authenticated users should be able to use the API. The vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to read and set several device parameters that can lead to full compromise of the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-45138 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within the web-based management interface of a network device or system. This weakness resides in the configuration backend where the system fails to properly enforce authentication mechanisms, allowing unauthorized access to administrative functions that should be restricted to authenticated users only. The flaw specifically affects the API endpoints responsible for device parameter management, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized administrative privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate session management and access control validation within the web application framework. The system appears to improperly validate user credentials or session tokens when processing requests to configuration endpoints, enabling unauthenticated requests to be processed with administrative privileges. This authentication bypass occurs at the application layer where API calls are handled, suggesting a fundamental flaw in the security architecture that fails to properly distinguish between authenticated and unauthenticated users before executing sensitive operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, specifically targeting weak authentication mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to protected resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially catastrophic for affected systems. An unauthenticated attacker can leverage this flaw to read sensitive device parameters including configuration settings, network configurations, user credentials, and system information that could reveal critical infrastructure details. Beyond reading parameters, the vulnerability allows attackers to set device configurations, potentially enabling them to modify network settings, disable security features, install malicious software, or redirect traffic to malicious endpoints. This capability could lead to complete system compromise, unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials for unauthorized access. Attackers could use this flaw to establish persistent access to network devices and escalate privileges within the infrastructure. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise as compromised management interfaces often provide access to entire network segments, allowing attackers to pivot between systems and expand their control. Organizations relying on the affected systems face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments where network security and device management are critical components of overall security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-45138 should prioritize immediate implementation of proper authentication enforcement and access control mechanisms. Organizations must ensure that all API endpoints within the configuration backend require valid authentication tokens or credentials before processing any administrative requests. The solution involves implementing robust session management, proper API endpoint validation, and comprehensive access control lists that verify user authorization status before executing sensitive operations. Security patches should be applied immediately to address the authentication bypass, while network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits of all management interfaces to identify similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities and implement principle of least privilege access controls to minimize potential impact from future incidents.