CVE-2015-2871 in BF-660C
Summary
by MITRE
Chiyu BF-660C fingerprint access-control devices allow remote attackers to bypass authentication and (1) read or (2) modify communication configuration settings via a request to net.htm, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-5618.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2024
The Chiyu BF-660C fingerprint access-control device represents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2015-2871, which exposes the system to remote authentication bypass attacks through manipulation of communication configuration settings. This device operates within physical security infrastructure, controlling access to facilities through biometric authentication mechanisms that rely on fingerprint recognition technology. The vulnerability specifically manifests through an accessible web interface endpoint named net.htm, which serves as an attack vector for unauthorized remote actors seeking to compromise the system's integrity.
The technical flaw resides in the insufficient input validation and authentication mechanisms implemented within the device's web administration interface. When remote attackers send crafted requests to the net.htm endpoint, they can bypass the standard authentication protocols that should normally restrict access to sensitive configuration parameters. This vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, exploiting weaknesses in how the device processes HTTP requests and validates user credentials. The flaw essentially allows attackers to escalate privileges without proper authentication, enabling them to read or modify communication configuration settings that control how the device interacts with network infrastructure and other security systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of facilities relying on these access-control devices. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can manipulate network communication parameters such as IP addresses, port configurations, and communication protocols used by the device. This capability enables them to redirect device communications to malicious servers, intercept security data, or even disable security features entirely. The consequences include potential unauthorized facility access, data exfiltration, and disruption of legitimate security operations. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and potentially CWE-352, covering cross-site request forgery vulnerabilities that could be leveraged to perform unauthorized actions.
From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services to gain unauthorized access to systems. The attack chain typically involves reconnaissance to identify the vulnerable device, followed by exploitation of the net.htm endpoint to establish unauthorized administrative access. Security professionals must recognize that this vulnerability represents a significant risk to physical security infrastructure, as it allows attackers to compromise access control systems that are critical for protecting sensitive facilities. The device's web interface design flaw creates a persistent security weakness that can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access or specialized equipment.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks. Organizations should implement network access control lists that restrict access to the net.htm endpoint to only trusted administrative workstations. Regular firmware updates and patches from the vendor should be deployed immediately upon availability, as this vulnerability affects the core authentication mechanisms of the device. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual traffic patterns to the net.htm endpoint, which could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access, even when available, would provide additional protection against unauthorized access. Security teams should also consider conducting regular vulnerability assessments of physical security infrastructure to identify similar weaknesses in other access-control devices within their environment, as this vulnerability demonstrates the potential for widespread impact across similar security systems.