CVE-2022-29825 is a security vulnerability identified in Mitsubishi Electric Corporation's GX Works3 software versions 1.000A through 1.090U, as well as GT Designer3 (GOT2000) versions 1.122C through 1.290C. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-259, which pertains to the use of hard-coded passwords. Specifically, the affected software contains embedded passwords that are hard-coded into the application binaries or configuration files. This flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information and control functions. Exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to view proprietary programs and project files or execute programs illegally within the industrial control environment. Since GX Works3 and GT Designer3 are engineering software tools used for programming and configuring Mitsubishi Electric programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs), unauthorized access could lead to manipulation of industrial processes or theft of intellectual property. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the presence of hard-coded passwords represents a fundamental security weakness that could be leveraged by attackers with network access to the affected systems. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting further emphasizes the need for immediate mitigation efforts by users of these products.

For European organizations utilizing Mitsubishi Electric's GX Works3 and GT Designer3 software, this vulnerability poses significant risks. Industrial sectors such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and utilities that rely on Mitsubishi PLCs and HMIs could face unauthorized disclosure of sensitive engineering data, including proprietary control logic and project configurations. This could lead to intellectual property theft or industrial espionage. Furthermore, attackers could execute unauthorized programs, potentially disrupting industrial processes, causing operational downtime, or even physical damage to equipment. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is therefore substantial. Given the critical role of industrial control systems in European infrastructure and manufacturing, exploitation could have cascading effects on supply chains and critical services. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation without authentication increases the likelihood of attacks, especially if network segmentation or other controls are insufficient. While no active exploits are currently known, the threat remains relevant due to the widespread deployment of Mitsubishi Electric products across Europe.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should implement the following specific measures beyond generic patching advice: 1) Conduct an immediate inventory of all Mitsubishi Electric GX Works3 and GT Designer3 installations to identify affected versions. 2) Restrict network access to engineering workstations and PLC programming environments by enforcing strict network segmentation and firewall rules, limiting access only to authorized personnel and systems. 3) Employ VPNs or secure remote access solutions with multi-factor authentication for any remote engineering access to reduce exposure. 4) Monitor network traffic for unusual access patterns or unauthorized attempts to connect to engineering software or PLCs. 5) Where possible, replace or upgrade to versions of GX Works3 and GT Designer3 that do not contain the hard-coded password vulnerability once patches become available. 6) Implement compensating controls such as application whitelisting and endpoint protection on engineering workstations to prevent unauthorized execution of programs. 7) Educate engineering and operational staff about the risks of hard-coded passwords and enforce strict credential management policies. 8) Regularly back up project files and PLC programs to enable recovery in case of compromise. These targeted actions will reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact until official patches are released.