CVE-2004-1709 in Rainbow Ikey2032 USB Token
Summary
by MITRE
datakey rainbow ikey2032 usb token when using the cip client package does not encrypt communications between the token and the driver which could allow local users to obtain the pins of other users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2017
The CVE-2004-1709 vulnerability affects the datakey rainbow ikey2032 USB token when utilized with the cip client package, presenting a significant security flaw in the communication protocol between the hardware token and its associated driver software. This vulnerability stems from the absence of encryption mechanisms during data transmission between the token and the driver components, creating an exploitable condition that undermines the security posture of the authentication system. The flaw specifically manifests when the cip client package is employed, suggesting that the issue is not inherent to the token hardware itself but rather to the software interface and communication protocols implemented by the client package.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses and the absence of proper encryption in communication channels. The lack of encryption between the USB token and driver creates a man-in-the-middle scenario where local attackers can intercept and potentially decrypt sensitive authentication data. The vulnerability specifically impacts the protection of PIN values, which are critical authentication elements that should remain confidential during transmission. When communications are not encrypted, authentication credentials can be captured and potentially reused by unauthorized parties, leading to unauthorized access to systems protected by these tokens.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, particularly in environments where multiple users share the same system or where local access is not properly restricted. Local users with access to the system can exploit this weakness to obtain PINs of other users, effectively compromising the authentication security model. This creates a privilege escalation scenario where unauthorized access to other users' accounts becomes possible, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or shared computing facilities where physical access to the system is not adequately controlled, as it allows attackers to leverage local system access to extract sensitive authentication information.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper encryption protocols for all communications between the USB token and driver components. Organizations should ensure that the cip client package is updated to include encrypted communication channels or that alternative authentication packages that provide proper encryption are deployed. System administrators should implement strict access controls and monitor for unauthorized local access to systems containing these tokens. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure communication protocols in hardware security modules and emphasizes that even physical security devices can be compromised if their associated software components lack proper cryptographic protections. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-level protections and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their authentication infrastructure. The flaw highlights the necessity of following security standards such as those outlined in the NIST SP 800-57 guidelines for cryptographic key management and the importance of ensuring that all components in a security chain maintain appropriate security controls.