CVE-2013-5636 in Media Encryption
Summary
by MITRE
Unlock.exe in Media Encryption EPM Explorer in Check Point Endpoint Security through E80.50 does not associate password failures with a device ID, which makes it easier for physically proximate attackers to bypass the device-locking protection mechanism by overwriting DVREM.EPM with a copy of itself after each few password guesses.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-5636 resides within the Media Encryption EPM Explorer component of Check Point Endpoint Security products, specifically affecting versions through E80.50. This weakness manifests in the unlock.exe process which governs device locking protection mechanisms. The flaw represents a significant security oversight in the implementation of physical access controls, creating an exploitable condition that undermines the fundamental purpose of device-level encryption protection.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of authentication failures within the unlock.exe process. When users attempt to unlock devices protected by Check Point Endpoint Security, the system fails to properly associate failed password attempts with specific device identifiers. This absence of device-specific tracking creates a critical gap in the authentication mechanism's ability to detect and respond to repeated failed access attempts. The vulnerability specifically affects the DVREM.EPM file which serves as the device lock mechanism, allowing attackers to exploit the system's lack of proper session management and authentication logging.
Attackers can leverage this weakness by exploiting the predictable pattern of device lock failures. Through physical proximity to the target device, an attacker can repeatedly attempt password guesses and systematically overwrite the DVREM.EPM file with a copy of itself after each failed attempt. This technique effectively resets the device lock mechanism, allowing repeated brute force attempts without triggering the expected security protections. The vulnerability creates a scenario where the device lock protection becomes completely ineffective, as the attacker can essentially bypass the intended security controls through simple file manipulation. This attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise and can be executed by anyone with physical access to the device.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-5636 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially expose sensitive data stored on devices protected by Check Point Endpoint Security. Organizations relying on this encryption solution face significant risks when devices are physically accessible to unauthorized individuals, as the entire purpose of device-level encryption is defeated. The vulnerability essentially renders the device lock protection mechanism useless, allowing attackers to gain access to encrypted data through simple repetitive guessing attacks. This creates a substantial risk for organizations handling confidential information, particularly in environments where physical security controls are inadequate or where devices may be left unattended.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-307, which addresses improper restriction of repeated activities, and demonstrates how insufficient authentication mechanisms can lead to complete bypass of security controls. The attack pattern described corresponds to techniques categorized under the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and credential access domains, specifically targeting the 'Brute Force' and 'Credential Access' tactics. Organizations should implement additional physical security controls and monitor for unusual file modification patterns on protected devices. The recommended mitigations include updating to patched versions of Check Point Endpoint Security, implementing additional authentication layers, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized file modifications that could indicate exploitation attempts.