CVE-2022-50980: CAN Network DOS Vulnerability

CVE-2022-50980 Overview

CVE-2022-50980 is a Missing Authentication for Critical Function vulnerability (CWE-306) that allows an unauthenticated adjacent attacker to potentially disrupt operations by switching between multiple configuration presets via CAN bus. This vulnerability affects systems utilizing CAN (Controller Area Network) protocol communications where authentication mechanisms are absent for configuration changes.

Critical Impact

An attacker with adjacent network access can manipulate device configuration presets without authentication, leading to operational disruption and denial of service conditions.

Affected Products

• CAN bus-enabled devices with configuration preset functionality
• Industrial control systems utilizing CAN protocol communications
• Embedded systems with unprotected CAN configuration interfaces

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-02 - CVE CVE-2022-50980 published to NVD
• 2026-02-03 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2022-50980

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from a Missing Authentication for Critical Function weakness (CWE-306) in CAN bus implementations. The affected systems fail to require authentication before allowing configuration preset changes, enabling adjacent attackers to manipulate device behavior. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have adjacent network access to the CAN bus but does not require any privileges or user interaction to exploit.

The impact is primarily on system availability, as attackers can cause operational disruptions by arbitrarily switching between configuration presets. This could result in unexpected device behavior, service interruptions, or complete denial of service conditions in industrial or automotive environments where CAN bus communications are critical.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the absence of authentication mechanisms for configuration preset switching functionality exposed via the CAN bus interface. CAN protocol implementations often lack built-in security features, and when device manufacturers do not implement application-layer authentication, critical functions become accessible to any entity with physical or adjacent network access to the CAN bus.

Attack Vector

The attack vector requires adjacent network access, meaning the attacker must be connected to the same CAN bus network segment as the vulnerable device. This is typically achieved through:

• Physical access to the CAN bus wiring or connectors
• Access to a compromised device on the same CAN network
• Connection to an exposed diagnostic port or interface

Once connected, the attacker can send unauthenticated CAN messages to switch between configuration presets. The attack has low complexity and requires no special privileges, making it relatively straightforward to execute for anyone with adjacent network access.

The vulnerability allows an attacker to send specially crafted CAN messages to trigger configuration preset changes. Without proper authentication controls, the target device accepts these messages and applies the requested configuration changes, leading to potential service disruption. For detailed technical information, refer to the Innomics CSAF White Paper.

Detection Methods for CVE-2022-50980

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected or frequent configuration preset changes in CAN-connected devices
• Anomalous CAN bus traffic patterns indicating unauthorized configuration commands
• Operational disruptions coinciding with unusual CAN message activity
• Log entries showing configuration changes without corresponding authorized user actions

Detection Strategies

• Implement CAN bus traffic monitoring to detect unusual message patterns or unauthorized configuration commands
• Deploy intrusion detection systems capable of analyzing CAN protocol communications
• Establish baseline configuration change frequencies and alert on deviations
• Monitor for CAN messages targeting configuration preset functions from unexpected sources

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging of all configuration changes on CAN-connected devices
• Implement real-time CAN bus traffic analysis with alerting capabilities
• Regularly audit device configurations to detect unauthorized changes
• Correlate CAN bus activity logs with physical access records to identify potential attackers

How to Mitigate CVE-2022-50980

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict physical access to CAN bus interfaces and connectors
• Implement network segmentation to isolate CAN bus networks from untrusted segments
• Review and audit current CAN bus access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Monitor CAN bus traffic for suspicious activity indicating exploitation attempts

Patch Information

Consult the vendor security advisory for patch availability and update instructions. Technical details and remediation guidance can be found in the Innomics CSAF White Paper and the Innomics CSAF JSON Document.

Workarounds

• Implement physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to CAN bus interfaces
• Deploy CAN bus firewalls or gateways that can filter unauthorized configuration commands
• Enable application-layer authentication where supported by device firmware
• Segment CAN networks to limit attacker lateral movement capabilities

# Example: Network segmentation for CAN bus isolation
# Implement physical isolation of CAN bus segments
# Use CAN bus gateways with filtering capabilities
# Restrict access to diagnostic ports and interfaces
# Enable logging on all CAN-connected devices