CVE-2022-2752 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) affecting the Secomea GateManager web server versions 9.4 through 9.7. The vulnerability arises from a flaw in the authentication mechanism of the GateManager's web interface, where under certain failed login conditions, a local user can impersonate the previous authenticated user. This means that if a user attempts to log in and fails, the system may erroneously retain the session or authentication context of the prior user, allowing the attacker to gain unauthorized access with the privileges of that previous user. The vulnerability is local, requiring access to the GateManager web server interface, and does not appear to require remote exploitation or user interaction beyond the login attempt. The issue is significant because GateManager is used to manage secure remote access to industrial control systems and IoT devices, making the integrity of its authentication critical. No public exploits are currently known, and no official patches have been linked, though the vendor has acknowledged the issue. The vulnerability was reserved in August 2022 and published in December 2022, indicating it is a relatively recent concern. The improper authentication flaw could lead to unauthorized access, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate or disrupt connected industrial systems if they can leverage this impersonation.

For European organizations, especially those in industrial automation, manufacturing, energy, and critical infrastructure sectors that rely on Secomea GateManager for secure remote access, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized access to sensitive control systems. An attacker with local access to the GateManager web interface could impersonate legitimate users, potentially gaining elevated privileges or access to systems that control operational technology (OT). This could lead to unauthorized configuration changes, disruption of industrial processes, or data exfiltration. Given the critical nature of many European industries and the increasing integration of IT and OT environments, exploitation could impact operational continuity, safety, and data confidentiality. Although no known exploits are in the wild, the vulnerability's presence in versions 9.4 through 9.7 means organizations running these versions are at risk until patched. The impact is heightened in environments where GateManager is exposed to multiple users or where local access controls are weak. The vulnerability could also undermine trust in remote access solutions, complicating compliance with European cybersecurity regulations such as NIS2 and GDPR if unauthorized access leads to data breaches or operational incidents.

Organizations should immediately verify their GateManager version and upgrade to a patched version once available from Secomea. In the absence of an official patch, implement strict access controls to limit local access to the GateManager web interface, including network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to trusted administrators only. Employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible to reduce the risk of session hijacking or impersonation. Monitor authentication logs closely for unusual login failures or session anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. Consider implementing session timeout policies and forced re-authentication after failed login attempts to prevent session reuse. Additionally, conduct regular audits of user sessions and privileges to detect unauthorized access. For environments with high security requirements, temporarily disable web interface access or restrict it to secure management networks until the vulnerability is remediated. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans tailored to potential OT disruptions.