CVE-2022-47377 in SIM2000ST
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
Password recovery vulnerability in SICK SIM2000ST Partnumber 2086502 with firmware version <1.13.4 allows an unprivileged remote attacker to gain access to the userlevel defined as RecoverableUserLevel by invocating the password recovery mechanism method. This leads to an increase in their privileges on the system and thereby affecting the confidentiality integrity and availability of the system. An attacker can expect repeatable success by exploiting the vulnerability. The recommended solution is to update the firmware to a version >= 1.13.4 as soon as possible (available in SICK Support Portal).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2025
The CVE-2022-47377 vulnerability represents a critical password recovery flaw in SICK SIM2000ST industrial equipment, specifically affecting devices with part number 2086502 running firmware versions prior to 1.13.4. This vulnerability resides within the device's authentication mechanism and exploits a design weakness in how the system handles password recovery requests. The flaw allows unprivileged remote attackers to escalate their privileges by invoking the password recovery mechanism method, effectively bypassing normal access controls that should prevent unauthorized system access. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it compromises the fundamental security posture of the industrial control system, potentially affecting operational technology environments where such devices may be deployed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of password recovery requests within the device's user management subsystem. When an attacker triggers the password recovery mechanism, the system fails to properly verify the authenticity of the recovery request or validate that the requester possesses legitimate authorization to perform such actions. This weakness creates a persistent attack vector that can be repeatedly exploited without requiring additional authentication factors or physical access to the device. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-305 Authentication Bypass Through Multiple Implementations, where the system's security controls are insufficiently enforced during authentication flows. The ability to achieve repeatable success indicates a fundamental flaw in the authentication architecture rather than a transient or environmental issue.
The operational impact of this vulnerability poses significant risks to industrial environments where SICK SIM2000ST devices operate. Once exploited, the attacker gains access to user levels defined as RecoverableUserLevel, which typically includes administrative privileges necessary for system configuration and monitoring. This privilege escalation directly threatens the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems, potentially allowing attackers to modify operational parameters, access sensitive data, or disrupt critical processes. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these devices from external networks without requiring physical proximity, making it particularly dangerous in industrial settings where operational technology networks may not be adequately segmented from corporate networks. The attack surface expands significantly when considering that such devices often form part of larger industrial control systems where a compromised device can serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-47377 center exclusively on firmware updates as recommended by SICK. The vendor has addressed this vulnerability in firmware version 1.13.4 and later, which incorporates proper validation mechanisms for password recovery requests. Organizations should prioritize immediate firmware upgrades through the official SICK Support Portal to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation should be implemented to isolate affected devices from critical network segments, and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it enables attackers to gain elevated privileges through legitimate system mechanisms. Given the industrial control environment, organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and endpoint detection systems specifically designed for operational technology environments to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware in industrial systems and highlights the need for robust security practices in operational technology environments where device security is often overlooked.