CVE-2017-7729 in iSmartAlarm Cube
Summary
by MITRE
On iSmartAlarm cube devices, there is Incorrect Access Control because a "new key" is transmitted in cleartext.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2019
The CVE-2017-7729 vulnerability affects iSmartAlarm cube devices and represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security of connected home automation systems. This vulnerability stems from the improper handling of cryptographic keys during device authentication processes, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to protected network resources. The issue manifests when a new cryptographic key is transmitted in cleartext across the network, making it susceptible to interception by malicious actors who can then gain unauthorized access to the device and potentially the entire network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the transmission of sensitive authentication credentials without proper encryption or protection mechanisms. When devices attempt to establish new secure connections or update their cryptographic keys, the system fails to implement adequate transport layer security measures. This cleartext transmission exposes the key material to network sniffing attacks, where attackers can capture the key during the communication process and subsequently use it to impersonate legitimate devices or gain administrative access to the system. The flaw directly violates fundamental security principles of secure communication and key management practices that are essential for maintaining device integrity and network security.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for users of iSmartAlarm cube devices, as it enables adversaries to compromise the entire security ecosystem of connected home automation systems. Attackers who intercept the cleartext key can potentially gain persistent access to the device, allowing them to monitor sensor data, control access points, manipulate security settings, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point to attack other connected systems within the network. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to threaten the overall security posture of home networks, particularly when these devices are integrated with other smart home components that may share similar vulnerabilities or lack proper network segmentation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-316 (Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information) classifications, which specifically address the improper handling of sensitive data during transmission and storage phases. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) and T1046 (Network Service Scanning) as adversaries may use network monitoring tools to capture the cleartext communication. The lack of proper encryption in the key exchange process violates NIST SP 800-57 guidelines for cryptographic key management and fails to meet the requirements outlined in ISO/IEC 27001 for secure information handling. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network traffic monitoring, deployment of encrypted communication protocols, and mandatory firmware updates to address this vulnerability and prevent unauthorized access to smart home security systems.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of secure key management in IoT devices, particularly in security-critical applications where unauthorized access could lead to physical security breaches. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly simple implementation errors in cryptographic protocols can create substantial security risks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and adherence to established security frameworks during the development lifecycle of connected devices.