CVE-2022-25251 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides an in-depth analysis of CVE-2022-25251, a critical vulnerability affecting PTC's Axeda agent and Axeda Desktop Server for Windows.

Understanding CVE-2022-25251

CVE-2022-25251 is a vulnerability that allows an attacker to send certain XML messages to a specific port without proper authentication, potentially leading to unauthorized access and modification of the affected product's configuration.

What is CVE-2022-25251?

When connecting to a specific port, Axeda agent and Axeda Desktop Server for Windows may allow an unauthenticated attacker to read and modify the product's configuration.

The Impact of CVE-2022-25251

The vulnerability has a CVSS V3.1 base score of 9.8, indicating a critical severity level. It poses a high risk of confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-25251

The vulnerability lies in missing authentication for critical functions, specifically affecting all versions of Axeda agent and Axeda Desktop Server for Windows.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw enables remote unauthenticated attackers to read and modify the configuration of the affected products by sending specific XML messages to a designated port.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of Axeda agent and Axeda Desktop Server for Windows are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By connecting to a specific port, attackers can exploit the lack of proper authentication to manipulate the product's configuration.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-25251, PTC recommends several security measures and best practices:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to Axeda agent Version 6.9.2 build 1049 or above
Configure Axeda agent and Axeda Desktop Server to listen only on the local host interface
Ensure a unique password in the AxedaDesktop.ini file for each unit
Avoid using ERemoteServer in production
Delete ERemoteServer files from host devices

Long-Term Security Practices

Allow connections to ERemoteServer only from trusted hosts
Configure Localhost communications between ERemoteServer and Axeda Builder
Provide proper authentication information for the Axeda Deployment Utility
Upgrade Axeda Desktop Server to Version 6.9 build 215

Patching and Updates

Upgrading to Version 6.9.1 or above is essential for the Axeda agent to benefit from the loopback-only configuration and enhanced security features.