CVE-2022-38123 is a vulnerability identified in Secomea GateManager, specifically affecting versions prior to 10.0. The issue stems from improper input validation (CWE-20) of plugin files within the Administrator Interface of the GateManager. This flaw allows a server administrator to inject malicious code into the GateManager interface. GateManager is a centralized management platform used for secure remote access and management of industrial and enterprise networks, often deployed in operational technology (OT) environments. The vulnerability arises because the system does not adequately validate the content or structure of plugin files uploaded or managed through the administrator interface, enabling crafted inputs to execute unauthorized code. Although exploitation requires administrative privileges, the impact can be significant as it could allow an attacker with admin access to escalate privileges, execute arbitrary code, or manipulate the GateManager interface, potentially compromising the integrity and availability of the remote access infrastructure. No public exploits are currently known, and no patches have been explicitly linked, indicating that mitigation may rely on version upgrades or vendor guidance. The vulnerability was reserved in August 2022 and publicly disclosed in December 2022, with a medium severity rating assigned by the vendor.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial, especially for industries relying heavily on secure remote access to critical infrastructure, such as manufacturing, energy, utilities, and transportation sectors. GateManager is commonly used to manage remote connections to industrial control systems (ICS) and OT networks, which are vital for operational continuity. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution within the management interface, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate or disrupt remote access sessions, inject malicious configurations, or pivot into deeper network segments. This could result in operational downtime, data integrity issues, and exposure of sensitive operational data. Given the reliance on GateManager in critical infrastructure, any compromise could also have cascading effects on supply chains and service delivery. The requirement for administrative access limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, as insider threats or compromised admin credentials could be leveraged. The absence of known exploits suggests limited active exploitation, but the potential for targeted attacks remains, particularly in high-value sectors.

To mitigate this vulnerability effectively, European organizations should: 1) Immediately verify the version of Secomea GateManager in use and plan an upgrade to version 10.0 or later where the vulnerability is addressed. 2) Restrict administrative access to GateManager interfaces using strong multi-factor authentication (MFA) and network segmentation to limit exposure. 3) Implement strict access controls and monitoring on accounts with administrative privileges to detect anomalous activities. 4) Conduct thorough input validation and sanitization checks on any plugin files before deployment, even if the system does not enforce it natively. 5) Monitor network traffic and logs for unusual behavior related to the GateManager interface, including unexpected plugin uploads or configuration changes. 6) Engage with Secomea support for any available patches or security advisories and apply them promptly. 7) Educate administrators on secure handling of plugin files and the risks of privilege misuse. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on administrative controls, monitoring, and vendor engagement specific to the GateManager environment.