CVE-2022-29831 - Uncovering the Use of Hard-coded Password Vulnerability in Mitsubishi Electric Corporation GX Works3 and Its Potential Risks

In the world of cyber security, vulnerabilities in software play a critical role when it comes to an attacker's ability to exploit systems and potentially cause harm. One such vulnerability was recently discovered in Mitsubishi Electric Corporation's GX Works3 software, which is used for programming MELSEC safety CPU modules. The vulnerability, officially known as CVE-2022-29831, is a result of the use of a hard-coded password, which allows remote unauthorized attackers to potentially gain access to sensitive project file information. In this article, we'll dive deep into the details of this vulnerability, including an examination of code snippets, original references, and potential exploitation paths.

The Vulnerability

CVE-2022-29831 is classified as a Use of Hard-coded Password vulnerability. This means that it involves the use of a fixed, unchangeable password embedded within the software itself. In the case of GX Works3 versions 1.015R and later, this hard-coded password could allow a remote unauthorized attacker to gain access to the project files for MELSEC safety CPU modules. This unauthorized access could potentially result in exposure of sensitive information or unauthorized modifications that could pose serious risks to the safety and security of a system.

For a more technical understanding, let's take a look at a code snippet that demonstrates the issue

# Example of a hard-coded password vulnerability

def check_password(input_password):
    hard_coded_password = "123456"
    if input_password == hard_coded_password:
        return True
    else:
        return False

In this example, the function check_password compares an input password to a hard-coded password ("123456"). This inherently poses a security risk, as the hard-coded password can be easily discovered through reverse-engineering, code leaks, or other methods.

For complete details on CVE-2022-29831, you can refer to the following original sources

1. [Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Security Advisory] (https://www.mitsubishielectric.com/en/security/info/details/20220422/index.jsp)
2. [Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) Advisory] (https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/advisories/icsa-22-098-02)

Exploit Details

While the exact method of exploiting CVE-2022-29831 might vary depending on the attacker's skill level and the system's security measures, it generally involves the following steps:

1. Identifying the Target: The attacker first identifies the specific GX Works3 version being used, ensuring it falls within the range of affected software versions (1.015R and later).

2. Gaining Access: The attacker would then need to establish a connection to the targeted system. This could be achieved through various means, such as phishing or exploiting other existing vulnerabilities within the target network.

3. Exploiting the Vulnerability: Once access is achieved, the attacker would use the hard-coded password to authenticate themselves and gain unauthorized access to project files associated with MELSEC safety CPU modules.

4. Exfiltration or Modification: With access to the project files, the attacker might copy or modify the files for their desired goal, ultimately leading to potential negative consequences for the targeted system.

Conclusion

CVE-2022-29831 is a significant vulnerability in Mitsubishi Electric Corporation's GX Works3 software, as it could potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or malicious modifications that pose risks to the safety and security of systems using MELSEC safety CPU modules. It serves as a crucial reminder for developers to avoid using hard-coded passwords in their software and to implement proper security measures to mitigate potential risks.

It is strongly recommended that users of GX Works3 versions 1.015R and later update their software to the latest available version to mitigate this vulnerability. For further assistance or updates on this issue, users are encouraged to reach out to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation or review their security advisories.

Timeline

Published on: 11/25/2022 00:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/28/2022 20:58:00 UTC