CVE-2021-22818 : Security Advisory and Response

A CWE-307 Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts vulnerability has been identified in charging stations manufactured by Schneider Electric. This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to the charging station's web interface using brute force attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-22818

This section will provide insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-22818.

What is CVE-2021-22818?

The CVE-2021-22818 vulnerability involves improper restriction of excessive authentication attempts, allowing malicious actors to perform brute force attacks and potentially gain unauthorized access to Schneider Electric charging stations' web interfaces.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22818

The vulnerability poses a significant security risk as attackers could exploit it to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected charging stations. Unauthorized access to these systems could lead to disruptive or malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22818

This section will delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a CWE-307 flaw that facilitates unauthorized access to the charging station web interface through brute force attacks. Specifically, the affected products include EVlink City EVC1S22P4 / EVC1S7P4, EVlink Parking EVW2 / EVF2 / EVP2PE, and EVlink Smart Wallbox EVB1A (versions prior to R8 V3.4.0.2).

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of EVlink City, EVlink Parking, and EVlink Smart Wallbox prior to R8 V3.4.0.2 are susceptible to this vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of timely security enhancements.

Exploitation Mechanism

Cybercriminals can exploit this weakness by executing brute force attacks, attempting multiple login credentials to gain unauthorized access to the charging station web interface.

Mitigation and Prevention

Safeguarding against CVE-2021-22818 requires immediate action and adherence to robust security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Schneider Electric users should update their charging stations to the secure version R8 V3.4.0.2 or later to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access via brute force attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Practicing strong password policies, implementing multi-factor authentication, and monitoring authentication logs can fortify the security posture of charging stations against unauthorized access attempts.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates provided by Schneider Electric is crucial to addressing vulnerabilities promptly and maintaining the integrity of charging station systems.