CVE-2007-2023 in USB flash drive
Summary
by MITRE
USB20.dll in Secustick USB flash drive decouples the authorization and file access routines, which allows local users to bypass authentication requirements by altering the return value of the VerifyPassWord function.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2023 resides within the USB20.dll component of Secustick USB flash drives, representing a critical flaw in the device's security architecture that fundamentally undermines its authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability stems from a design weakness where the authorization and file access routines operate independently rather than in a synchronized manner, creating a exploitable gap in the security model. The flaw specifically targets the VerifyPassWord function which serves as the primary authentication checkpoint, allowing attackers to manipulate the system's response to bypass necessary security validations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of improper control flow handling where the return value of the VerifyPassWord function can be altered by local users without proper authorization. This modification effectively neutralizes the authentication process, enabling unauthorized access to protected files and data stored on the USB device. The vulnerability operates at the application level within the device's firmware, exploiting a logical flaw rather than a cryptographic weakness or network vulnerability. Security researchers categorize this issue under CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, specifically focusing on inadequate authorization mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to resources.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risks to users who store sensitive information on Secustick USB devices, as local attackers with physical access can bypass security measures without requiring knowledge of passwords or other authentication credentials. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized file access to potentially compromise data integrity and confidentiality, particularly in enterprise environments where USB devices serve as primary data transfer mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access encrypted files, modify sensitive data, or exfiltrate confidential information without triggering any security alerts or requiring authentication attempts that would normally be logged and monitored.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1070.004 which covers "File and Directory Permissions Modification" and T1566.001 which addresses "Phishing via Social Engineering" as attackers can exploit this weakness to gain access to systems through compromised USB devices. Organizations using Secustick USB devices face potential compliance violations under regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX where unauthorized data access can result in significant penalties and reputational damage. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor software engineering practices where security controls are not properly integrated into the application architecture, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate system behavior through simple value modifications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates from the manufacturer to address the logical flaw in the authentication routine, though users should also implement additional security measures such as encrypting sensitive data regardless of device security status. Network administrators should consider implementing USB device policy controls that restrict access to unauthorized devices and establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper security testing during device development phases, particularly focusing on authentication flow validation and ensuring that authorization and access control mechanisms work in concert rather than independently, which would prevent such logical flaws from being introduced into commercial products.