CVE-2009-3734 in Linear eMerge Access Control System
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the management console in the S2 Security Linear eMerge Access Control System 2.5.x allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (configuration reset) via a request to a crafted URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3734 affects the S2 Security Linear eMerge Access Control System version 2.5.x, specifically targeting its management console component. This issue represents a significant security weakness that could be exploited by remote attackers to disrupt system operations. The vulnerability manifests through a crafted URI request that can trigger an unintended configuration reset, effectively causing a denial of service condition that compromises the availability of the access control system.
The technical flaw resides in the management console's inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms. When processing requests to specific URIs, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input, creating an attack vector where malicious actors can craft specially formatted requests that manipulate the system's internal state. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, which is a fundamental weakness that enables various attack patterns including those that lead to denial of service conditions. The system's failure to properly handle unexpected or malicious input in the URI processing component creates a path for unauthorized users to disrupt normal operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it represents a critical threat to physical security infrastructure. When an attacker can successfully trigger a configuration reset, they effectively neutralize the access control system's ability to maintain its security policies and access permissions. This can lead to unauthorized access to secured facilities, as the system's configuration is reset to potentially insecure default states. The denial of service condition directly violates the availability principle of the CIA triad, making the system unusable for its intended security purposes. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in physical security contexts where the integrity and availability of access control systems are paramount for protecting sensitive assets and personnel.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and access control measures within the management console. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to the management console to authorized administrative networks only, reducing the attack surface available to remote attackers. Regular system updates and patches should be applied to address known vulnerabilities, while monitoring systems should be implemented to detect unusual patterns of URI requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and input sanitization mechanisms can help prevent malformed URI requests from reaching the vulnerable components. Additionally, administrative access to the management console should be protected through strong authentication mechanisms and regular security audits to ensure that only authorized personnel can access critical system configuration functions. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of securing administrative interfaces and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized modification of critical system parameters.