CVE-2002-1722 in iTouch Keyboard
Summary
by MITRE
Logitech iTouch keyboards allows attackers with physical access to the system to bypass the screen locking function and execute user-defined commands that have been assigned to a button.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1722 affects Logitech iTouch keyboards, representing a significant security flaw that exploits the physical access model to undermine system security controls. This issue demonstrates how hardware components can be leveraged to circumvent operating system security mechanisms, specifically targeting the screen locking functionality that serves as a fundamental protective barrier against unauthorized access. The vulnerability arises from the keyboard's design allowing malicious actors to manipulate button assignments to execute arbitrary commands, effectively creating a backdoor mechanism through legitimate hardware interfaces.
The technical flaw resides in the keyboard's implementation of button remapping capabilities, which are typically intended for user customization but become exploitable when attackers can modify these assignments. When an attacker gains physical access to a system equipped with an iTouch keyboard, they can configure specific buttons to trigger commands that bypass the screen lock mechanism. This configuration allows execution of user-defined commands that may include launching malicious software, accessing sensitive data, or performing administrative functions without proper authentication. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of hardware and software security, where physical access translates directly into logical security breaches through keyboard configuration manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling complete system compromise when attackers can execute arbitrary commands through the modified keyboard buttons. The screen locking function serves as a primary defense mechanism in most operating systems, and its bypass fundamentally undermines the security model of the protected system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform actions such as launching malware, accessing restricted files, modifying system configurations, or even escalating privileges to gain administrative control. The implications are particularly severe in environments where physical security controls are assumed to be sufficient, as this vulnerability demonstrates that hardware interfaces can be weaponized to bypass traditional software-based security measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the hardware-specific configuration and broader system security practices. Organizations should implement strict physical access controls to prevent unauthorized individuals from modifying keyboard configurations, while also considering keyboard firmware updates if available from Logitech. System administrators should disable or restrict button remapping capabilities through group policies or system configurations where possible, and implement additional security measures such as automatic screen locking after periods of inactivity. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1546.001, which involves modifying registry run keys or startup folder to establish persistence. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions to monitor for suspicious keyboard configuration changes and command execution patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.