CVE-2002-0394 in Red-M
Summary
by MITRE
red-m 1050 (bluetooth access point) uses case insensitive passwords which makes it easier for attackers to conduct a brute force guessing attack due to the smaller space of possible passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2024
The CVE-2002-0394 vulnerability affects the red-m 1050 bluetooth access point device, which implements a security flaw in its authentication mechanism by employing case insensitive password handling. This design decision fundamentally weakens the authentication security model by reducing the effective password space that attackers must consider during brute force attempts. The vulnerability stems from the device's failure to properly enforce case sensitivity in password validation, allowing unauthorized users to exploit this weakness through systematic guessing approaches.
This technical flaw represents a classic implementation error that violates fundamental security principles for credential validation. The case insensitive comparison mechanism reduces the entropy of the password space by approximately half, as attackers only need to consider combinations of uppercase and lowercase letters rather than the full range of possible character variations. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability directly relates to CWE-521 Weak Password Requirements and CWE-310 Cryptographic Issues, as it undermines the strength of the authentication mechanism through improper password handling implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential guessing, as it significantly reduces the time and computational resources required for successful unauthorized access. Attackers can leverage automated tools to rapidly cycle through common password combinations without having to account for case variations, making brute force attacks exponentially more effective. This weakness creates a persistent security risk for organizations relying on the device for wireless network access control, particularly in environments where physical security is already compromised. The vulnerability affects the device's ability to maintain secure network boundaries, potentially allowing unauthorized users to gain access to connected networks and sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper case sensitivity enforcement in authentication mechanisms, which aligns with the principle of least privilege and secure configuration practices. Organizations should immediately update device firmware if available, implement stronger password policies requiring complex character sets, and consider network segmentation to limit the impact of potential unauthorized access. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the NIST SP 800-63-3 Digital Identity Guidelines, which emphasize the necessity of strong authentication mechanisms. Additionally, this issue demonstrates the need for comprehensive security testing during device development, particularly focusing on authentication and authorization components that are critical to maintaining network security boundaries.