CVE-2022-50977: HTTP Configuration DoS Vulnerability

CVE-2022-50977 Overview

CVE-2022-50977 is a Missing Authentication for Critical Function vulnerability (CWE-306) that allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to potentially disrupt operations by switching between multiple configuration presets via HTTP. This authentication bypass flaw enables attackers with network access to manipulate device configurations without any credentials, potentially causing significant operational disruptions.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can remotely manipulate configuration presets via HTTP, leading to denial of service conditions and operational disruption without requiring any credentials.

Affected Products

• Industrial control systems or devices with HTTP-based configuration interfaces (refer to vendor advisory for specific product versions)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-02 - CVE CVE-2022-50977 published to NVD
• 2026-02-03 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2022-50977

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from a Missing Authentication for Critical Function (CWE-306) weakness. The affected system exposes HTTP endpoints that control configuration preset switching without implementing proper authentication mechanisms. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can remotely manipulate the device's operational configuration, causing service disruption and potential denial of service conditions.

The network-based attack vector requires no user interaction and no privileges, making this vulnerability particularly accessible to remote attackers. While the vulnerability does not compromise confidentiality or integrity directly, it can significantly impact system availability by allowing unauthorized configuration changes.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the absence of authentication controls on HTTP endpoints responsible for configuration preset management. The affected system fails to verify user identity or authorization before processing configuration change requests, violating the principle of defense in depth and allowing any network-accessible attacker to manipulate critical operational settings.

Attack Vector

The attack is executed over the network via HTTP requests to the configuration management interface. An attacker does not need any prior authentication or user interaction to exploit this vulnerability. By sending crafted HTTP requests to switch configuration presets, an attacker can disrupt normal operations, potentially causing equipment malfunction or service outages in affected environments.

The vulnerability can be exploited by sending HTTP requests to the configuration preset switching endpoints. Attackers with network access to the affected device can manipulate operational settings without authentication. For detailed technical information, refer to the Innomatic CSAF Document 2026-0001.

Detection Methods for CVE-2022-50977

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected configuration preset changes in device logs without corresponding authenticated user sessions
• HTTP requests to configuration management endpoints from unauthorized or unknown IP addresses
• Unusual patterns of configuration switching that deviate from normal operational procedures
• Log entries showing configuration changes during off-hours or outside maintenance windows

Detection Strategies

• Monitor HTTP access logs for unauthenticated requests to configuration management endpoints
• Implement network intrusion detection rules to alert on configuration change requests from untrusted sources
• Deploy anomaly detection to identify unusual configuration switching patterns
• Correlate configuration change events with authentication logs to identify unauthorized modifications

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all configuration management operations and HTTP access
• Configure alerts for configuration preset changes that lack corresponding authentication events
• Establish baseline operational configurations and monitor for deviations
• Implement network segmentation monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to management interfaces

How to Mitigate CVE-2022-50977

Immediate Actions Required

• Isolate affected devices from untrusted networks and place them behind firewalls with strict access controls
• Implement network segmentation to restrict access to configuration management interfaces
• Deploy a web application firewall or reverse proxy to enforce authentication on HTTP endpoints
• Review and audit all recent configuration changes for signs of unauthorized manipulation

Patch Information

Consult the vendor's security advisory for official patch information and firmware updates. The Innomatic CSAF Document 2026-0001 provides detailed remediation guidance from the vendor.

Workarounds

• Restrict network access to the affected device's HTTP management interface using firewall rules or network ACLs
• Implement VPN or jump host requirements for accessing configuration management functions
• Deploy an authentication proxy in front of the affected HTTP endpoints if native authentication cannot be enabled
• Disable remote configuration management capabilities if operationally feasible until patches are available

# Example firewall rule to restrict HTTP access to management interface
# Allow only trusted management network (adjust IP ranges as needed)
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 10.10.10.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP