CVE-2017-16242 in MECOZiolsamDE601
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on MECO USB Memory Stick with Fingerprint MECOZiolsamDE601 devices. The fingerprint authentication requirement for data access can be bypassed. An attacker with physical access can send a static packet to a serial port exposed on the PCB to unlock the key and get access to the data without possessing the required fingerprint.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16242 represents a critical security flaw in MECO USB Memory Stick devices model MECOZiolsamDE601 that utilize fingerprint authentication for data protection. This weakness fundamentally undermines the device's security model by exposing a direct attack vector that allows unauthorized access to protected data through physical manipulation of the device's hardware interface. The flaw specifically targets the authentication mechanism that should require legitimate fingerprint verification to grant access to stored information, creating a significant bypass opportunity for determined adversaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the device's exposure of a serial communication port directly on the printed circuit board without adequate security controls or authentication checks. This serial interface serves as an unintended backdoor that allows attackers to send predetermined static packets to the device's communication protocol, effectively triggering an unlock sequence that circumvents the normal fingerprint verification process. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-668, which addresses "Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere" where a resource is made available to an attacker who should not have access to it. The static packet communication approach represents a form of protocol manipulation that exploits the device's lack of proper input validation and authentication enforcement mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it represents a complete breakdown of the device's intended security architecture. An attacker with physical access to the device can bypass all biometric security controls and gain immediate access to all stored data without requiring any legitimate fingerprint samples or authentication credentials. This scenario creates a particularly dangerous threat model because it eliminates the need for sophisticated social engineering or advanced technical skills, making the attack accessible to adversaries with minimal technical expertise. The vulnerability essentially transforms a security-enhancing feature into a security liability, as the very mechanism designed to protect data becomes the method for its unauthorized access.
Organizations and individuals relying on these devices for secure data storage face significant risk exposure due to this vulnerability, particularly in environments where physical security controls are inadequate or where devices may be lost, stolen, or accessed by unauthorized personnel. The attack vector's simplicity and effectiveness make it particularly concerning for sensitive data protection scenarios, including corporate intellectual property, personal identification information, or any data requiring strong access controls. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the device's security design where physical access to hardware components can be leveraged to bypass logical security controls, a pattern that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 which describes data from local system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate hardware exposure and the underlying design flaw in the device's authentication architecture. The most effective approach involves either disabling the exposed serial interface entirely or implementing robust authentication controls that verify the legitimacy of incoming communication before executing any unlock operations. Device manufacturers should consider implementing proper input validation, authentication checks, and secure communication protocols to prevent unauthorized access through serial interfaces. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks associated with physical access to security devices and the importance of proper device handling and storage. The vulnerability highlights the critical need for comprehensive security testing of embedded systems and the importance of addressing both logical and physical security controls in device design.