Remote Compact Controller (RCC) 972: Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key
CVE-2022-2641 is a critical-severity use of hard-coded cryptographic key vulnerability in Remote Compact Controller (RCC) 972 from Horner Automation, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Remote Compact Controller (RCC) 972 versions: Firmware Version 15.40. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.59% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of Remote Compact Controller (RCC) 972 you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horner Automation | Remote Compact Controller (RCC) 972 | Firmware Version 15.40 | Not stated |
| Hornerautomation | Rcc972 Firmware | 15.40 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CNA (hq.dhs.gov) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
Horner Automation’s RCC 972 with firmware version 15.40 has a static encryption key on the device. This could allow an attacker to perform unauthorized changes to the device, remotely execute arbitrary code, or cause a denial-of-service condition.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key
The product uses a hard-coded, unchangeable cryptographic key.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Prevention schemes mirror that of hard-coded password storage.
More Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key vulnerabilities (CWE-321)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
- cisa.gov/uscert/ics/advisories/icsa-22-335-02Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
Other vulnerabilities in Remote Compact Controller (RCC) 972
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
Apache Shiro Code Execution Exploited
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