CVE-2010-1184 in Wireless Keyboard
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft wireless keyboard uses XOR encryption with a key derived from the MAC address, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain keystroke information and inject arbitrary commands via a nearby wireless device, as demonstrated by Keykeriki 2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-1184 represents a critical weakness in Microsoft wireless keyboard security mechanisms that stems from improper cryptographic implementation. This flaw specifically affects wireless keyboard devices that utilize XOR encryption for data transmission between the keyboard and receiver, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise system security. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the predictable nature of the encryption key generation process, which relies on the device's MAC address as the basis for cryptographic key derivation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a fundamental flaw in the wireless keyboard's cryptographic protocol where XOR encryption is employed with a key that is directly derived from the device's MAC address. This approach violates established security principles for cryptographic key generation, as MAC addresses are typically static identifiers that are easily discoverable through network scanning or device enumeration techniques. The predictable key generation mechanism creates a scenario where an attacker with proximity to the target device can potentially determine the encryption key and subsequently decrypt transmitted keystroke data. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-327 weakness category, which specifically addresses the use of broken or weak cryptographic algorithms and improper key derivation methods that compromise security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple keystroke interception, as demonstrated by the Keykeriki 2 attack vector that exploits this weakness to enable arbitrary command injection. Attackers can leverage the predictable encryption scheme to not only capture sensitive information such as passwords and personal data but also to inject malicious commands into the target system through the wireless keyboard interface. This creates a sophisticated attack scenario where an adversary can perform unauthorized actions including keystroke injection, command execution, and potentially complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. The proximity requirement for exploitation means that attackers can operate from nearby locations without requiring extensive network infrastructure or complex penetration testing techniques.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1531 for establish persistence through wireless keyboard manipulation. The attack surface created by this flaw allows for persistent access to target systems through the wireless keyboard interface, which can be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where wireless keyboards are commonly used. Organizations implementing wireless keyboard solutions face significant risk when these devices lack proper cryptographic protection mechanisms, as the vulnerability enables both passive surveillance and active attack capabilities that can bypass traditional network security controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention to both hardware and software security measures. Device manufacturers should implement proper cryptographic key derivation functions that incorporate random elements and avoid using static identifiers such as MAC addresses for key generation. Network administrators should consider implementing wireless network monitoring to detect unauthorized keyboard devices and establish strict policies for wireless device management. Additionally, organizations should evaluate their risk tolerance for wireless keyboard usage and consider alternative input methods for high-security environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following cryptographic best practices and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of wireless communication protocols to prevent similar weaknesses in future implementations.