CVE-2018-20960 in Prodigio
Summary
by MITRE
Nespresso Prodigio devices lack Bluetooth connection security.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2023
The Nespresso Prodigio coffee machine represents a significant security vulnerability through its inadequate Bluetooth connection security measures, creating a critical exposure in the Internet of Things ecosystem. This device, designed for home and office use, fails to implement proper cryptographic protections during its Bluetooth communication protocols, leaving it susceptible to various attack vectors that could compromise both device functionality and user privacy. The vulnerability stems from the device's inability to establish secure authenticated connections, making it vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and unauthorized access attempts.
The technical flaw manifests in the device's Bluetooth implementation where it does not enforce proper encryption mechanisms or authentication protocols during connection establishment. This weakness allows attackers within proximity range to intercept communications between the device and user mobile applications, potentially enabling them to manipulate device settings, access user preferences, or even execute unauthorized commands. The absence of secure key exchange mechanisms and proper session management creates an environment where malicious actors can exploit the communication channel to gain control over the device's operational parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of connected home appliances. Attackers could potentially use this weakness to alter brewing parameters, access user data stored on the device, or create persistent access points for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning given the device's integration with mobile applications and cloud services, which could provide attackers with additional attack surfaces. This exposure could lead to data breaches involving user preferences, usage patterns, and potentially sensitive information related to personal consumption habits.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper Bluetooth security protocols including secure key exchange mechanisms, encryption of all communications, and robust authentication processes. Organizations should consider firmware updates that enforce secure Bluetooth connections, implement connection timeouts, and establish proper access controls for device management interfaces. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in security protocols, and reflects patterns commonly seen in IoT device security failures. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this represents a technique for initial access through network service exploitation and privilege escalation through device control manipulation, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls in connected consumer devices.