CVE-2022-50976: Device Password Reset Privilege Escalation

CVE-2022-50976 Overview

CVE-2022-50976 is a firmware vulnerability that allows a local attacker with physical access to trigger a complete device reset by exploiting the password reset mechanism through USB. By providing an invalid reset file via USB, an attacker can bypass proper validation checks and force the device to reset all passwords, effectively restoring the device to factory defaults and erasing security configurations.

Critical Impact

A local attacker can cause a full device reset, potentially destroying security configurations, audit logs, and sensitive data stored on the device.

Affected Products

• Affected products not explicitly listed in the advisory - refer to Inomic CSAF Advisory for complete product information

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-02 - CVE-2022-50976 published to NVD
• 2026-02-03 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2022-50976

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-1288 (Improper Validation of Consistency within Input), which indicates that the device fails to properly validate the integrity and consistency of password reset files provided via USB. The local attack vector requires physical access to the device, but no privileges are needed to exploit it. The vulnerability has significant integrity and availability impacts, as a successful exploit allows an attacker to completely reset the device, destroying all configured settings and potentially critical security audit data.

The device's password reset mechanism accepts files from USB storage without adequately verifying their validity, structure, or origin. When an attacker provides a malformed or invalid reset file, the device processes it incorrectly and triggers a full factory reset rather than rejecting the invalid input or safely handling the error condition.

Root Cause

The root cause stems from improper input validation in the USB-based password reset functionality. The device firmware fails to adequately validate the consistency and integrity of reset files before processing them. This lack of validation allows an attacker to craft or provide an invalid file that triggers unintended behavior—specifically, a full device reset instead of proper error handling or rejection of the malformed input.

Attack Vector

This is a local attack requiring physical access to the target device and a USB storage device. The attacker must:

1. Gain physical access to the target device
2. Prepare a USB storage device containing an invalid or malformed password reset file
3. Insert the USB device into the target
4. Trigger the password reset mechanism

Once the invalid reset file is processed, the device performs a full reset, erasing all configuration data, user credentials, and potentially security logs. This attack requires no authentication or special privileges, making it accessible to anyone with physical access to the device.

The vulnerability mechanism involves improper validation of input file consistency. When the device reads a password reset file from USB, it should verify the file format, integrity checksums, and consistency before processing. Due to inadequate validation, malformed files can trigger the reset pathway without proper authorization checks. Refer to the Inomic CSAF Advisory for detailed technical information.

Detection Methods for CVE-2022-50976

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected device factory resets or loss of configuration
• Audit logs showing USB device connections followed by system resets (if logs are preserved externally)
• Missing or cleared security configurations that were previously established
• Reports of physical tampering or unauthorized physical access to affected devices

Detection Strategies

• Implement physical access monitoring with cameras or access control systems near affected devices
• Deploy external syslog servers to capture and preserve device logs off-device before potential reset events
• Monitor for USB device insertion events through network management systems
• Configure alerts for unexpected configuration changes or device restarts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Centralize log collection to external systems to preserve evidence even if devices are reset
• Implement physical access controls and audit trails for areas containing affected devices
• Establish baseline configurations and monitor for deviations indicating unauthorized resets
• Deploy tamper-evident seals on USB ports where password reset functionality is not required

How to Mitigate CVE-2022-50976

Immediate Actions Required

• Review the Inomic CSAF Advisory for vendor-specific patching guidance
• Restrict physical access to affected devices to authorized personnel only
• Consider disabling USB ports or USB-based password reset functionality if not operationally required
• Implement physical security controls such as locked enclosures for affected devices

Patch Information

Consult the vendor advisory at Inomic CSAF Advisory for official patch availability and installation instructions. Apply firmware updates as soon as they become available from the vendor.

Workarounds

• Physically disable or block USB ports on affected devices if USB functionality is not required for operations
• Implement USB port locks or tamper-evident seals to detect unauthorized access attempts
• Deploy affected devices in physically secured areas with restricted access controls
• Maintain off-device backups of configurations to enable rapid recovery if a reset occurs
• Configure devices to require additional authentication steps for password reset operations if supported

Physical security controls for USB port protection should be implemented according to your organization's security policies. Example approaches include USB port blockers, locked device enclosures, and security camera monitoring of device locations.