CVE-2014-2363 in Itemiser 3
Summary
by MITRE
Morpho Itemiser 3 8.17 has hardcoded administrative credentials, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via a login request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2363 affects Morpho Itemiser 3 version 8.17, a biometric authentication system used for identity verification and access control. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that directly impacts the system's ability to maintain secure administrative access. The vulnerability stems from the inclusion of hardcoded administrative credentials within the software configuration, a practice that violates fundamental security principles and creates persistent attack vectors for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the inclusion of default administrative usernames and passwords directly within the application code or configuration files. These hardcoded credentials are typically set during the software development phase and remain unchanged throughout the product lifecycle. When attackers discover these credentials through various means such as code analysis, public repositories, or security research, they can immediately leverage them to establish administrative access to the system. The vulnerability specifically impacts login functionality, allowing remote attackers to authenticate without needing to perform credential guessing or other complex attack vectors that would normally be required to gain administrative privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of any system utilizing the affected software. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform administrative actions including but not limited to user account manipulation, system configuration changes, data extraction, and potential privilege escalation within the broader network environment. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the device or network, enabling them to compromise systems from anywhere on the internet. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that deploy biometric authentication systems in critical infrastructure, financial services, or government applications where unauthorized access could result in significant data breaches or operational disruptions.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software applications. The flaw also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering, as attackers can leverage the hardcoded credentials to establish persistent access. Organizations implementing the affected Morpho Itemiser 3 system should immediately address this vulnerability by replacing hardcoded credentials with dynamically generated administrative accounts, implementing proper credential management protocols, and conducting comprehensive security assessments. The remediation process should include updating the software to versions that no longer contain hardcoded credentials, establishing robust access control policies, and implementing continuous monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting thorough security reviews during software development to prevent similar issues in future implementations.