CVE-2022-3737 is a high-severity vulnerability classified as an out-of-bounds read (CWE-125) affecting PHOENIX CONTACT's Automationworx Software Suite, specifically the Config+ product up to version 1.89. This vulnerability arises due to insufficient validation of input data, which allows an attacker to read memory beyond the intended boundaries. Such out-of-bounds reads can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the application programming workstation (APW) running the software. The vulnerability requires local access (Attack Vector: Local) and low attack complexity, with no privileges required but user interaction is necessary, indicating that an attacker must have some level of access to the workstation and induce the vulnerable software to process crafted input. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with a scope unchanged (affecting the same security scope). Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the critical role of Config+ in industrial automation environments, where PHOENIX CONTACT products are widely used for programming and configuring automation devices. The out-of-bounds read could allow attackers to leak sensitive configuration data or internal memory contents, potentially enabling further attacks or disruption of industrial control processes.

For European organizations, especially those operating in industrial automation, manufacturing, energy, and critical infrastructure sectors, this vulnerability could have severe consequences. PHOENIX CONTACT is a prominent vendor in Europe, with a strong market presence in countries with advanced industrial bases such as Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. Exploitation could lead to leakage of sensitive operational data, manipulation of configuration parameters, or disruption of automation workflows, impacting production continuity and safety. Given the critical nature of industrial control systems (ICS) and the increasing targeting of such environments by cyber adversaries, this vulnerability could be leveraged as a foothold for further intrusion or sabotage. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where workstations may be accessible to insiders or compromised through phishing or social engineering. The potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of APWs could cascade into broader operational disruptions, financial losses, and safety hazards.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Apply vendor patches or updates as soon as they become available, even though no patch links are currently provided, maintaining close communication with PHOENIX CONTACT for updates. 2) Restrict local access to workstations running Config+ by enforcing strict access controls, including physical security and role-based permissions to minimize exposure to unauthorized users. 3) Implement application whitelisting and endpoint protection to detect and prevent execution of unauthorized or malicious inputs that could trigger the vulnerability. 4) Conduct user awareness training focused on preventing social engineering and phishing attacks that could lead to malicious input or local compromise. 5) Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual activity around Config+ workstations, including attempts to input malformed data or unexpected application behavior. 6) Segment industrial networks to isolate APWs from general IT networks, reducing the attack surface and limiting lateral movement. 7) Employ memory protection mechanisms and runtime application self-protection (RASP) if supported, to detect and block out-of-bounds memory access attempts. These measures, combined with timely patching, will reduce the risk of exploitation and limit potential damage.