CVE-2022-46142 in SCALANCE
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2022
Affected devices store the CLI user passwords encrypted in flash memory. Attackers with physical access to the device could retrieve the file and decrypt the CLI user passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical weakness in device security architecture where command line interface credentials are stored using insufficient encryption mechanisms. The flaw lies in the improper handling of sensitive authentication data within the device's persistent storage system, specifically in flash memory where CLI passwords are maintained in an encrypted format. While encryption is present, the implementation fails to provide adequate protection against determined attackers who possess physical access to the affected hardware. The vulnerability stems from a fundamental design oversight where the encryption algorithm or key management process does not meet contemporary security standards for protecting stored credentials.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires physical access to the device, which aligns with attack patterns classified under the attack technique of physical access exploitation in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The threat actor can directly retrieve the flash memory contents and subsequently decrypt the stored CLI passwords, effectively bypassing any network-based authentication controls. This represents a classic case of weak cryptography in storage, categorized under CWE-310 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system, specifically addressing weaknesses in cryptographic implementations. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in proper credential handling where the encryption mechanism does not adequately protect against offline attacks or reverse engineering attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with unauthorized administrative access to network devices, potentially enabling further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Once compromised, attackers can execute arbitrary commands, modify device configurations, and establish persistent access points. This weakness creates a significant risk for organizations relying on network devices that store credentials in flash memory without proper encryption hardening. The vulnerability affects devices where CLI authentication data is stored in a manner that does not adequately protect against physical access attacks, making it particularly concerning for environments where device security cannot be guaranteed.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust encryption standards for all stored credentials, including the use of hardware security modules or secure enclaves for key storage. Organizations should consider implementing full disk encryption with proper key management processes, ensuring that encryption keys are not stored alongside the encrypted data. The remediation approach must include updating device firmware to employ stronger encryption algorithms and proper key derivation functions. Additionally, physical security measures should be implemented to prevent unauthorized access to devices, including secure storage locations and access controls. Security best practices recommend implementing multi-factor authentication and regular credential rotation to reduce the impact of any potential credential compromise. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security standards such as NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management and ensuring that all stored data meets appropriate security classifications.