CVE-2022-45699
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands as root on APSystems ECU-R version 5203 devices by injecting malicious commands through the timezone parameter in the administration interface. This affects all deployments of ECU-R version 5203 with the administration interface exposed. Attackers can gain complete control of affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- APSystems ECU-R
📦 What is this software?
Ecu R Firmware by Apsystems
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise allowing attackers to install persistent backdoors, pivot to internal networks, disrupt solar monitoring/control functions, or use devices for botnet participation.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to device takeover, data theft, or disruption of solar energy monitoring systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are isolated behind firewalls with restricted administrative access, though the vulnerability remains present.
🎯 Exploit Status
Multiple public proof-of-concept exploits exist, including GitHub repositories and demonstration videos showing complete exploitation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: Not publicly available
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Check with APSystems for firmware updates or security advisories.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Isolation
linuxBlock all external access to the ECU-R administration interface using firewall rules.
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport [admin_port] -j DROP
ufw deny [admin_port]
Access Restriction
linuxRestrict administrative interface access to specific trusted IP addresses only.
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport [admin_port] -s [trusted_ip] -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport [admin_port] -j DROP
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately isolate affected devices from internet access and restrict to internal management networks only.
- Implement strict network segmentation to prevent lateral movement if devices are compromised.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device version via web interface or SSH if available. Version 5203 is vulnerable. Test with controlled exploit if authorized.Check Version:
curl -s http://[device_ip]/status | grep version or check web interfaceVerify Fix Applied:
Verify device is no longer version 5203 or test timezone parameter injection in a controlled environment.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual timezone parameter values in web logs
- Suspicious command execution in system logs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful command execution
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from ECU-R devices
- Traffic to known malicious IPs from solar monitoring systems
- Unexpected SSH or reverse shell connections
SIEM Query:
source="ecu-r-logs" AND (timezone="*;*" OR timezone="*|*" OR timezone="*`*" OR timezone="*$(*")