CVE-2022-34820 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC CP 1242-7 V2, SIMATIC CP 1243-1, SIMATIC CP 1243-7 LTE EU, SIMATIC CP 1243-7 LTE US, SIMATIC CP 1243-8 IRC, SIMATIC CP 1542SP-1 IRC, SIMATIC CP 1543-1, SIMATIC CP 1543SP-1, SIPLUS ET 200SP CP 1542SP-1 IRC TX RAIL, SIPLUS ET 200SP CP 1543SP-1 ISEC, SIPLUS ET 200SP CP 1543SP-1 ISEC TX RAIL, SIPLUS NET CP 1242-7 V2, SIPLUS NET CP 1543-1, SIPLUS S7-1200 CP 1243-1, SIPLUS S7-1200 CP 1243-1 RAIL. The vulnerability exists in all versions below defined ones. The issue arises from incorrect handling of user input during authentication, potentially leading to code execution with elevated privileges.

Understanding CVE-2022-34820

This section provides an overview of the impact and technical details associated with CVE-2022-34820.

What is CVE-2022-34820?

The vulnerability in multiple Siemens products could be exploited by attackers to inject custom commands, resulting in the execution of arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2022-34820

The vulnerability exposes affected systems to the risk of unauthorized remote code execution, enabling threat actors to compromise the integrity of critical industrial processes.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-34820

Here are the technical specifics of CVE-2022-34820:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is classified as CWE-77, indicating improper neutralization of special elements used in a command (Command Injection), with a CVSS base score of 8.4 (High).

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue impacts various Siemens products including SIMATIC CP 1242-7 V2, SIMATIC CP 1243-1, SIMATIC CP 1243-7 LTE EU, and more, with specific versions outlined for each product.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating user input fields during the authentication process, allowing them to inject malicious commands and execute arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-34820, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected Siemens products to the latest patched versions provided by the vendor.
Restrict network access to vulnerable devices and ensure only necessary connections are permitted.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement network segmentation to isolate critical systems from potential threats.
Regularly monitor and audit network traffic for any signs of unauthorized access or malicious activity.

Patching and Updates

Contact Siemens for information on available patches and updates to remediate the vulnerability effectively.