CVE-2017-13663 in iSmartAlarm CubeOne
Summary
by MITRE
Encryption key exposure in firmware in iSmartAlarm CubeOne version 2.2.4.8 and earlier allows attackers to decrypt log files via an exposed key.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13663 represents a critical weakness in the firmware of iSmartAlarm CubeOne security devices, specifically affecting versions 2.2.4.8 and earlier. This flaw stems from improper implementation of cryptographic key management within the device firmware, creating a scenario where encryption keys necessary for protecting sensitive data are inadvertently exposed to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability manifests as a failure to securely store or handle cryptographic materials, which directly impacts the confidentiality of data stored on the device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exposure of encryption keys within the firmware binary or configuration files, allowing attackers to extract these keys through various means such as reverse engineering, memory inspection, or network traffic analysis. This weakness enables attackers to decrypt log files that would normally remain protected, potentially exposing sensitive information including user credentials, device operational data, and security event records. The exposure occurs at the firmware level, making it particularly concerning as it affects the fundamental security posture of the device from the lowest operational layer.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for users of iSmartAlarm CubeOne devices, as it undermines the core security mechanisms designed to protect sensitive information. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain access to detailed logs that may contain information about device usage patterns, security events, and potentially user behavioral data. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure, as these logs could reveal information about network configurations, security protocols, and operational procedures that could be leveraged for further attacks. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the principle of least privilege and defense in depth, as the device fails to properly isolate and protect its cryptographic assets.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses and improper key handling, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for unsecured credentials and T1552.004 for credentials in files. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through firmware updates provided by the manufacturer, as well as implement additional monitoring and access controls to detect potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and regular security assessments should be enhanced to prevent unauthorized access to potentially compromised devices. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure boot processes and proper key management protocols in embedded systems, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing during the development lifecycle and adherence to secure coding practices that prevent exposure of cryptographic materials in firmware implementations.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic key management in IoT devices and embedded systems, where firmware-level exposure can lead to complete compromise of device security. The attack surface created by such exposure allows for persistent surveillance and data exfiltration capabilities that extend far beyond the immediate device boundaries, potentially enabling attackers to conduct reconnaissance and plan further infiltration attempts against connected networks and systems.