CVE-2001-1007 in Truesync Desktop
Summary
by MITRE
Starfish Truesync Desktop 2.0b as used on the REX 5000 PDA uses a small keyspace for device keys and does not impose a delay when an incorrect key is entered, which allows attackers to more quickly guess the key via a brute force attack.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1007 represents a significant cryptographic weakness in the Starfish Truesync Desktop 2.0b software implementation on REX 5000 PDAs. This issue stems from the system's use of a small cryptographic keyspace for device authentication, which fundamentally undermines the security posture of the device. The limited keyspace creates an environment where brute force attacks become computationally feasible within reasonable timeframes, making the authentication mechanism vulnerable to automated guessing attempts.
The technical flaw manifests in two critical aspects that compound the vulnerability. First, the implementation uses insufficient entropy in the device key generation process, resulting in a keyspace that is small enough to be exhaustively searched through brute force methods. Second, the system lacks proper rate limiting or delay mechanisms when incorrect keys are entered, allowing attackers to rapidly iterate through potential key combinations without encountering significant delays. This absence of account lockout or rate limiting behavior creates an ideal environment for automated attack tools to systematically test key combinations at high speeds.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data compromise and device control. An attacker who successfully guesses the device key could gain complete administrative control over the PDA, potentially accessing sensitive information stored on the device, modifying system configurations, or using the device as a pivot point for attacking other networked systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where PDAs may contain confidential business data or serve as communication devices for critical operations. The combination of weak cryptography and lack of defensive mechanisms creates a scenario where even a basic brute force attack could succeed within hours or days, depending on the exact keyspace size.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weakness, and CWE-307, which covers inadequate account lockout mechanisms. The issue also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1110.003 for credential guessing and T1078.004 for valid accounts. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including strengthening key generation algorithms to ensure sufficient entropy, implementing proper rate limiting or account lockout mechanisms, and considering the replacement of vulnerable device software with versions that address these cryptographic shortcomings. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect and respond to potential brute force attack attempts targeting these devices.