CVE-2017-16867 in Key
Summary
by MITRE
Amazon Key through 2017-11-16 mishandles Cloud Cam 802.11 deauthentication frames during the delivery process, which makes it easier for (1) delivery drivers to freeze a camera and re-enter a house for unfilmed activities or (2) attackers to freeze a camera and enter a house if a delivery driver failed to ensure a locked door before leaving.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-16867 represents a critical security flaw in Amazon Key's integration with Cloud Cam 802.11 wireless infrastructure. This issue specifically targets the handling of deauthentication frames during the delivery process, creating a significant vector for unauthorized access to residential properties. The flaw exists within the wireless communication protocols that govern how the Cloud Cam system interacts with the 802.11 wireless network during package delivery operations. When deauthentication frames are improperly managed, they can cause the camera to temporarily disconnect from the network and freeze in an operational state that allows unauthorized individuals to gain access to the premises.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the Cloud Cam's wireless protocol stack. Deauthentication frames are standard 802.11 management frames used to terminate wireless connections between devices, but the Amazon Key system fails to properly process these frames during active delivery scenarios. This mismanagement creates a window of opportunity where the camera's operational state becomes unpredictable and potentially exploitable. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to manipulate the wireless connection in such a way that the camera freezes or becomes unresponsive, while the delivery driver may not be aware of the compromised state. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls in network protocols, and more specifically to CWE-310, concerning cryptographic issues related to wireless communication security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to residential properties. Delivery drivers who are not properly trained or who fail to ensure that doors are locked before leaving the premises create an exploitable condition where attackers can take advantage of the camera's frozen state. This creates a dangerous scenario where the security system designed to protect homes becomes a potential weakness. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who do not need sophisticated technical skills, as the issue lies in the improper handling of standard wireless frames that any network attacker could potentially generate. The security implications are particularly severe because the system assumes that when a delivery driver leaves, the premises remains secure, but this assumption is violated when the camera fails to properly maintain its operational state. The flaw effectively creates a race condition in the security protocol where the timing of wireless frame processing determines whether the home remains protected or becomes vulnerable to unauthorized entry.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper wireless frame handling and establishing robust connection monitoring mechanisms within the Cloud Cam system. Network administrators and security professionals should ensure that all wireless protocols properly handle deauthentication frames and maintain operational integrity during critical delivery scenarios. The solution involves implementing proper state management for wireless connections and ensuring that the system can detect and recover from abnormal wireless conditions. Organizations should also establish mandatory procedures for delivery personnel to verify the security state of the premises before leaving, regardless of the camera's operational status. This vulnerability highlights the importance of network security considerations in IoT devices and emphasizes the need for comprehensive testing of wireless protocols in security-critical applications. The remediation approach should include implementing proper access control mechanisms and ensuring that wireless communication failures do not create security loopholes. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the need for continuous monitoring and validation of wireless security protocols, particularly in systems where physical security is dependent on digital communication integrity. The flaw serves as a reminder that wireless security protocols must be designed with robust error handling and recovery mechanisms to prevent exploitation through seemingly simple network management functions.