CVE-2010-4530 in PCSC-Lite
Summary
by MITRE
Signedness error in ccid_serial.c in libccid in the USB Chip/Smart Card Interface Devices (CCID) driver, as used in pcscd in PCSC-Lite 1.5.3 and possibly other products, allows physically proximate attackers to execute arbitrary code via a smart card with a crafted serial number that causes a negative value to be used in a memcpy operation, which triggers a buffer overflow. NOTE: some sources refer to this issue as an integer overflow.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4530 represents a critical signedness error within the ccid_serial.c component of libccid, a core module of the PCSC-Lite smart card framework. This flaw exists in the USB Chip/Smart Card Interface Devices driver implementation and specifically affects the pcscd daemon version 1.5.3 and potentially other affected products. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values during serial number processing, creating a scenario where a negative value can be passed to a memory copy operation. This particular flaw demonstrates a classic programming error that has significant implications for system security and integrity.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves a specific sequence of operations that begins with a crafted smart card being physically proximate to the target system. When the pcscd daemon processes the smart card's serial number, the signedness error causes a negative value to be calculated or interpreted. This negative value then gets passed to a memcpy function call, where it is used as a parameter for determining the number of bytes to copy. The fundamental issue occurs because the system does not properly validate or sanitize the serial number input before using it in arithmetic operations that ultimately feed into memory management functions. This type of error falls under CWE-191, which specifically addresses integer underflow conditions, and also relates to CWE-121, concerning stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows attackers with physical proximity to the target system to gain arbitrary code execution privileges. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where smart card readers are accessible to unauthorized individuals, such as public terminals, kiosks, or any system where physical security is not strictly maintained. The attack vector requires only physical access to the device, making it more accessible than many other exploit scenarios that require network connectivity or more sophisticated social engineering. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to inject malicious code that could potentially escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or compromise the entire system. From an adversarial perspective, this aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve code execution that could be leveraged for further system compromise.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention and include updating to patched versions of PCSC-Lite that address the signedness error in ccid_serial.c. System administrators should also implement physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to smart card readers, particularly in public or shared environments. Additionally, input validation mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure that serial numbers are properly sanitized before being processed in memory operations. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. The fix typically involves ensuring proper bounds checking and signedness handling in integer operations, particularly when dealing with values that will be used as array indices or memory operation parameters. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper integer handling and input validation in security-sensitive code, particularly in system components that interface with hardware devices where physical access may be possible.