CVE-2017-2161 in SDHC Memory Card
Summary
by MITRE
FlashAirTM SDHC Memory Card (SD-WE Series <W-03>) V3.00.02 and earlier and FlashAirTM SDHC Memory Card (SD-WD/WC Series <W-02>) V2.00.04 and earlier allows authenticated attackers to bypass access restrictions to obtain unauthorized image data via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2161 affects FlashAir SDHC memory cards from Western Digital, specifically targeting the SD-WE Series with firmware versions prior to V3.00.02 and the SD-WD/WC Series with firmware versions prior to V2.00.04. This represents a critical security flaw in storage device firmware that undermines the fundamental security assumptions of these devices. The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to bypass access restrictions and obtain unauthorized image data, which could potentially expose sensitive information stored on these memory cards. The security implications are particularly concerning given that these devices are commonly used in consumer and industrial applications where data confidentiality is paramount.
The technical flaw manifests in the firmware implementation of these memory cards, where access control mechanisms fail to properly enforce authorization checks for image data retrieval. While the specific vectors remain unspecified in the CVE description, this type of vulnerability typically involves improper authentication handling, weak cryptographic implementations, or flawed privilege escalation mechanisms within the device's firmware. The authenticated nature of the attack suggests that the vulnerability requires some form of legitimate access or credentials to the device, but once obtained, allows for unauthorized data extraction that should otherwise be restricted. This aligns with common patterns found in embedded systems security where insufficient access control validation leads to information disclosure vulnerabilities. The flaw likely resides in the memory card's internal processing logic where image data is managed and accessed, potentially through improper handling of read requests or inadequate validation of access permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of these storage devices. In practical scenarios, attackers could potentially extract sensitive images from memory cards used in surveillance systems, medical devices, or personal storage applications where the confidentiality of stored data is critical. The vulnerability affects devices that may be deployed in environments where physical security is assumed but not enforced through proper access controls. This could lead to unauthorized access to private photos, security footage, medical records, or other sensitive information that was intended to remain protected within the memory card's secure storage environment. The risk is particularly elevated in industrial or commercial settings where these devices might be used in security cameras, data loggers, or other applications where unauthorized access to stored information could have significant financial, legal, or operational consequences.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate firmware update requirements and broader security considerations for affected deployments. The primary recommendation involves updating all affected FlashAir memory cards to the latest firmware versions that address the access restriction bypass issue. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventories of all deployed devices and ensure proper firmware update procedures are implemented. Security measures should also include network segmentation and monitoring for unauthorized device access attempts, as well as implementing additional access controls at the system level where these devices are used. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability may impact organizations subject to data protection regulations such as gdpr or hipaa, where unauthorized data access could constitute regulatory violations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure firmware development practices and regular security assessments of embedded systems. Organizations should consider implementing device authentication and encryption mechanisms at the application level to provide additional protection layers beyond the device firmware itself. This aligns with cybersecurity frameworks that emphasize defense in depth, where multiple security controls work together to protect against various attack vectors. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust access control implementations in embedded systems and the potential consequences of inadequate security testing during device development phases.