CVE-2001-0737 in Cordless Freedom Navigator
Summary
by MITRE
A long synch delay in Logitech wireless mice and keyboard receivers allows a remote attacker to hijack connections via a man-in-the-middle attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0737 represents a significant security flaw in wireless input device communication protocols that existed within Logitech's wireless mouse and keyboard receiver systems. This issue stems from an insufficient synchronization mechanism that creates extended delays during the connection establishment process, effectively providing attackers with a window of opportunity to intercept and manipulate wireless communications between devices. The flaw specifically impacts the authentication and connection validation procedures that occur when wireless peripherals establish contact with their designated receivers, creating a temporal gap that malicious actors can exploit to insert themselves into the communication channel.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the timing mechanisms used by Logitech's wireless protocols, where the synchronization delay between device discovery and connection confirmation becomes excessively long. This prolonged period allows for potential man-in-the-middle attacks to occur, as the legitimate connection between a wireless mouse or keyboard and its receiver can be interrupted and replaced by an attacker's device. The flaw operates at the protocol level, specifically within the wireless communication stack that handles device pairing and authentication processes. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-307, which addresses improper restriction of excessive number of repeated attempts, and CWE-310, which covers cryptographic issues such as weak random number generation in security protocols.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates serious security implications for users who rely on wireless peripherals in environments where physical security cannot be guaranteed. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to systems through the compromised wireless connection, potentially leading to full system compromise if the wireless devices are used for administrative tasks or if they provide access to sensitive applications. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical proximity to the devices, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for corporate environments where wireless keyboards and mice are commonly used in shared workspaces. This attack vector specifically aligns with ATT&CK technique T1557.001, which covers "Adversary-in-the-Middle: Local Network Configuration and Data Storage," and T1071.004, covering "Application Layer Protocol: DNS," as the attack may involve manipulating network configurations to redirect wireless communications.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve firmware updates from Logitech that address the synchronization timing issues and implement more robust authentication mechanisms. Users should ensure that their wireless receivers and peripherals are running the latest firmware versions to prevent exploitation of this weakness. Network administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as wireless network monitoring to detect anomalous communication patterns that might indicate an active attack. Organizations using these devices in sensitive environments should evaluate the risk of continued use and potentially implement alternative input methods or additional security layers to protect against potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process requires careful coordination between device manufacturers and end users to ensure complete protection against this specific class of man-in-the-middle attacks that target wireless communication protocols.