CVE-2022-29827 is a vulnerability identified in Mitsubishi Electric Corporation's GX Works3 software, starting from version 1.000A and later. GX Works3 is an engineering software suite used for programming and configuring Mitsubishi PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), which are critical components in industrial automation and control systems. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-321, which pertains to the use of hard-coded cryptographic keys. Specifically, the software contains embedded cryptographic keys that are hard-coded into the application, rather than being dynamically generated or securely stored. This design flaw allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker to exploit the hard-coded keys to decrypt or access sensitive information within the software. As a consequence, attackers can disclose confidential data such as program logic, project files, or configuration details. Furthermore, the vulnerability enables unauthorized execution of programs, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate PLC operations or inject malicious code. The exploitation does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing the attack surface. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the presence of hard-coded keys represents a significant security weakness that could be leveraged in targeted attacks against industrial control environments. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the industrial control processes managed by GX Works3, posing risks to operational continuity and safety in industrial settings.

For European organizations, particularly those operating in manufacturing, energy, utilities, and critical infrastructure sectors, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk. GX Works3 is widely used in industrial automation across Europe, and unauthorized disclosure or manipulation of PLC programs can lead to operational disruptions, safety hazards, and financial losses. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain insights into proprietary industrial processes or cause unauthorized changes to control logic, potentially leading to equipment damage or production downtime. The ability to execute programs illegally without authentication further exacerbates the threat, as it could facilitate sabotage or espionage activities. Given Europe's strong industrial base and reliance on automated control systems, the vulnerability could impact supply chains and critical infrastructure resilience. Additionally, regulatory frameworks such as the NIS Directive and GDPR emphasize the protection of critical infrastructure and sensitive data, meaning affected organizations could face compliance and reputational consequences if exploited.

To mitigate this vulnerability effectively, European organizations should take the following specific actions: 1) Immediately identify and inventory all instances of GX Works3 software in use, including version numbers, to assess exposure. 2) Engage with Mitsubishi Electric Corporation for official patches or updates addressing the hard-coded key issue; if no patches are available, request guidance or workarounds. 3) Implement network segmentation to isolate engineering workstations running GX Works3 from broader corporate and operational networks, reducing remote attack vectors. 4) Enforce strict access controls and monitoring on systems running GX Works3, including multi-factor authentication for any remote access, even though the vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacks, to limit lateral movement. 5) Employ application whitelisting and integrity monitoring on PLC programming environments to detect unauthorized program execution or file access. 6) Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on industrial control systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. 7) Train operational technology (OT) personnel on recognizing signs of compromise related to GX Works3 and establish incident response procedures tailored to industrial environments. 8) Consider deploying intrusion detection systems (IDS) or anomaly detection solutions specialized for industrial protocols to detect suspicious activities targeting PLC programming tools.