CVE-2022-40242 is a vulnerability identified in AMI's MegaRAC SPx12 firmware, specifically related to the use of hard-coded credentials (CWE-798). MegaRAC SPx12 is a Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) firmware widely used in server management to provide out-of-band management capabilities such as remote monitoring, power control, and system recovery. The vulnerability arises because the firmware contains embedded default credentials that cannot be changed or removed by the user. This means that an attacker with network access to the management interface can authenticate using these hard-coded credentials without needing legitimate user credentials. Exploiting this vulnerability could allow unauthorized remote access to the BMC, enabling attackers to perform administrative actions including system reboot, firmware updates, or potentially gaining deeper access to the underlying host system. Although no public exploits have been reported in the wild, the presence of hard-coded credentials is a significant security risk because it bypasses standard authentication controls. The vulnerability affects all versions of MegaRAC SPx12 prior to any patch or update, and no official patch links have been published as of the date of this report. The vulnerability was reserved in September 2022 and published in December 2022, with a medium severity rating assigned by the source. The lack of patch availability and the critical role of BMCs in server infrastructure highlight the importance of addressing this issue promptly.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial, especially for enterprises and data centers relying on AMI MegaRAC SPx12 for server management. Unauthorized access to BMCs can lead to full control over server hardware, enabling attackers to disrupt availability by rebooting or shutting down systems, compromise confidentiality by accessing sensitive management data, and alter integrity by modifying firmware or system configurations. This could result in prolonged downtime, data breaches, and loss of trust in critical IT infrastructure. Sectors such as finance, telecommunications, government, and cloud service providers in Europe are particularly at risk due to their reliance on robust server management and the high value of their data and services. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged as a foothold for lateral movement within networks, increasing the risk of widespread compromise. The absence of known exploits in the wild does not diminish the risk, as the vulnerability is straightforward to exploit given network access and the presence of hard-coded credentials.

Given the absence of official patches, European organizations should implement immediate compensating controls. First, restrict network access to the BMC management interfaces by isolating them on dedicated management VLANs or physically separate networks, ensuring only trusted administrators can reach these interfaces. Employ network-level access controls such as firewalls and VPNs to limit exposure. Change or disable default credentials where possible; if the firmware does not allow changing hard-coded credentials, consider disabling remote management features or the BMC interface entirely if not required. Monitor network traffic for unusual access patterns to BMC interfaces and implement intrusion detection systems tuned to detect brute force or unauthorized login attempts. Organizations should also engage with AMI for updates or firmware patches and plan for timely deployment once available. For long-term mitigation, consider replacing affected hardware with devices that do not have hard-coded credentials or that support secure credential management. Regularly audit and inventory BMC devices to ensure visibility and control over these critical components.