CVE-2022-30318 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2022-30318, a vulnerability found in Honeywell ControlEdge through R151.1 due to hardcoded credentials.

Understanding CVE-2022-30318

CVE-2022-30318 involves a hardcoded credentials issue in Honeywell ControlEdge, allowing attackers to gain root access remotely.

What is CVE-2022-30318?

The vulnerability in Honeywell ControlEdge PLC and RTU products allows unauthorized access via SSH due to hardcoded credentials. This flaw can lead to remote code execution, configuration manipulation, and denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2022-30318

The hardcoded credentials in Honeywell ControlEdge can result in severe consequences, including unauthorized system access and manipulation, leading to potential remote code execution and denial of service attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-30318

CVE-2022-30318 exposes the Honeywell ControlEdge PLC and RTU products to exploitation through the SSH service with hardcoded credentials.

Vulnerability Description

The SSH service on port 22/TCP in Honeywell ControlEdge allows login as root with hardcoded credentials, granting attackers root shell access for malicious activities.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of Honeywell ControlEdge through R151.1 are affected by this vulnerability due to hardcoded credentials that remain unchanged after first commissioning.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the hardcoded credentials in the firmware to gain unauthorized access to the SSH service and subsequently execute remote code, manipulate configurations, or launch denial of service attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-30318, immediate steps must be taken to secure affected systems and prevent unauthorized access.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should change the hardcoded credentials, restrict network access to vulnerable devices, and monitor for any unauthorized login attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strong password policies, regular security audits, and network segmentation can enhance the overall security posture against such vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Honeywell ControlEdge users are advised to apply security patches provided by the vendor to mitigate the risk associated with hardcoded credentials and prevent potential exploitation.