CVE-2022-46832 in RFU62x
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2022
Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm in SICK RFU62x firmware version < 2.21 allows a low-privileged remote attacker to decrypt the encrypted data if the user requested weak cipher suites to be used for encryption via the SSH interface. The patch and installation procedure for the firmware update is available from the responsible SICK customer contact person.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-46832 represents a critical cryptographic weakness in SICK RFU62x device firmware versions prior to 2.21, specifically affecting the Secure Shell protocol implementation. This flaw resides in the cryptographic algorithm selection mechanism where the device fails to properly enforce strong encryption standards, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized parties to compromise encrypted communications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the network level through the SSH interface, enabling remote attackers to potentially intercept and decrypt sensitive data transmitted between the device and its operators.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the device's failure to properly validate or enforce the use of robust cryptographic algorithms during SSH session establishment. When users configure the device to accept weak cipher suites, the firmware does not adequately restrict or prevent the use of insecure encryption methods that are susceptible to modern cryptanalytic attacks. This represents a deviation from established cryptographic best practices and security standards, specifically violating the principle of least privilege in cryptographic implementation as outlined in the NIST Special Publication 800-57. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in cryptographic implementation, aligning with CWE-327 which addresses the use of weak or broken cryptographic algorithms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data confidentiality breaches, as it enables a low-privileged remote attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive operational data transmitted through the SSH interface. This compromise can lead to the exposure of configuration parameters, operational status information, and potentially sensitive control commands that could be used to disrupt industrial processes or gain further access to connected systems. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be executed remotely without physical access to the device, making it a significant concern for industrial control systems and operational technology environments.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1021.004 for remote services and T1566 for credential access through network service exploitation. Organizations deploying SICK RFU62x devices must understand that this vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to potentially escalate their access within industrial networks. The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate firmware updates to version 2.21 or later, as provided by SICK customer contacts, which addresses the cryptographic algorithm selection process and enforces stronger encryption standards. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit potential attack surfaces and reduce the impact of any successful exploitation attempts, particularly in critical infrastructure environments where these devices may be part of larger industrial control system architectures.