CVE-2000-0427 in eToken
Summary
by MITRE
The Aladdin Knowledge Systems eToken device allows attackers with physical access to the device to obtain sensitive information without knowing the PIN of the owner by resetting the PIN in the EEPROM.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2025
The CVE-2000-0427 vulnerability affects Aladdin Knowledge Systems eToken devices, which are hardware security tokens designed to store cryptographic keys and authentication credentials. These devices operate as portable security solutions that protect sensitive information through hardware-based encryption and PIN protection mechanisms. The vulnerability represents a critical flaw in the device's security architecture that undermines the fundamental purpose of PIN-based authentication.
This vulnerability stems from a design flaw in how the eToken device handles PIN reset operations within its EEPROM storage system. The technical implementation allows an attacker with physical possession of the device to bypass the normal PIN verification process by directly resetting the PIN stored in the device's non-volatile memory. This occurs because the device lacks proper protection mechanisms to prevent unauthorized PIN modifications, creating a direct attack vector that does not require knowledge of the existing PIN.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it completely eliminates the security benefit of PIN protection for the device. An attacker with physical access can obtain sensitive information stored on the token without needing to guess or obtain the legitimate PIN, effectively nullifying the device's primary security control. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where physical security is not adequately maintained, as anyone who gains possession of a lost or stolen eToken can immediately access all stored cryptographic keys and authentication credentials.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and demonstrates weaknesses in the device's authorization and authentication implementation. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1213, which covers data from information repositories, as attackers can extract sensitive cryptographic information from the compromised token. Organizations using these devices face significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability essentially renders the PIN protection mechanism ineffective regardless of the strength of the PIN used.
Mitigation strategies should include implementing strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to eToken devices, establishing comprehensive device tracking and recovery procedures, and considering replacement of affected devices with more secure alternatives. Organizations should also implement additional layers of security such as multi-factor authentication and regular security audits to compensate for the compromised PIN protection mechanism. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust hardware security design principles and proper implementation of access control measures in cryptographic devices to prevent such fundamental security breaches.