CVE-2018-11399 in SimpliSafe Original
Summary
by MITRE
SimpliSafe Original has Unencrypted Sensor Transmissions, which allows physically proximate attackers to obtain potentially sensitive information about the specific times when alarm-system events occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11399 affects the SimpliSafe Original home security system, specifically targeting the communication protocol between wireless sensors and the central monitoring hub. This security flaw represents a significant weakness in the system's design as it fails to implement proper encryption for sensor transmissions, creating an exploitable gap that adversaries can leverage to gain unauthorized access to critical operational data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal physical proximity to exploit, making it accessible to attackers who can simply position themselves near the security system's operational range.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the use of unencrypted radio frequency communications between the wireless sensors and the main control panel. When sensors detect motion, door openings, or other alarm-triggering events, they transmit this information using standard wireless protocols without any form of encryption or authentication mechanisms. This lack of cryptographic protection means that anyone within the transmission range can intercept these signals and decode the timing information associated with each security event. The vulnerability manifests as a clear communication channel that reveals when specific security events occurred, potentially exposing patterns of occupancy, security system usage, and operational schedules that could be exploited by malicious actors.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for users of the SimpliSafe Original system as it compromises the fundamental security assumptions of a home alarm system. Attackers who can physically approach the security system can determine the precise timing of alarm events, which provides valuable intelligence for planning burglaries or other malicious activities. The information obtained includes not just when events occurred but also potentially reveals the layout and operational patterns of the security system, enabling attackers to better understand system behavior and potentially identify additional vulnerabilities. This type of information disclosure directly impacts the system's ability to provide meaningful security protection to users.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-310 (CWE-310: Cryptographic Issues) categories, representing a clear failure in implementing proper cryptographic controls for wireless communications. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK tactics including TA0001 (Initial Access) and TA0006 (Credential Access) as attackers can gain access to system information without requiring sophisticated tools or complex attack vectors. The low barrier to exploitation, combined with the valuable intelligence gained, makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors who might use the timing information to plan more targeted attacks or to understand system behavior for potential exploitation of other weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper encryption protocols for all wireless communications between sensors and the central hub, ensuring that all transmitted data is protected through strong cryptographic mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing additional physical security measures to prevent unauthorized proximity to security equipment, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other components of the security infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of designing security systems with defense-in-depth principles, ensuring that even if one layer is compromised, additional protections remain effective.