CVE-2019-10060 in Multi-app Conductor Application
Summary
by MITRE
The Verix Multi-app Conductor application 2.7 for Verifone Verix suffers from a buffer overflow vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long configuration key value. An attacker must be able to download files to the device in order to exploit this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2023
The Verix Multi-app Conductor application version 2.7 running on Verifone Verix devices presents a critical buffer overflow vulnerability that fundamentally compromises system integrity and security posture. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of configuration key values, where insufficient input validation allows malicious actors to craft specially crafted payloads that exceed allocated buffer boundaries. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes configuration parameters, particularly those related to key value assignments, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for remote code execution. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the requirement for attackers to first gain the ability to download files to the target device, which typically involves compromising the device's file transfer mechanisms or exploiting other initial access vectors.
The technical nature of this buffer overflow vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checks allow attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw occurs in the application's configuration processing module where it fails to properly validate the length of incoming key values before copying them into fixed-size buffers. This creates a classic exploitation scenario where an attacker can manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data structures. The attack vector requires an initial compromise to establish file download capabilities, which then enables the attacker to upload malicious configuration files containing oversized key values designed to trigger the buffer overflow condition. This multi-stage approach increases the attack complexity but also makes the exploitation more difficult to detect through simple network monitoring.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to gain persistent access to the Verifone Verix device and potentially escalate privileges within the application's execution environment. Once successfully exploited, the attacker can manipulate the device's configuration settings, potentially disrupting payment processing operations or gaining access to sensitive transaction data. The vulnerability's presence in a payment processing device creates significant risk for financial institutions and merchants who rely on these systems for transaction processing, as the compromise could lead to data breaches, transaction manipulation, or service disruption. The device's role in payment processing environments means that successful exploitation could result in financial loss, regulatory violations, and damage to organizational reputation, particularly given the sensitive nature of payment card data handled by these systems.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patching of the affected Verix Multi-app Conductor application to version 2.8 or later, which contains the necessary buffer overflow protections. Network segmentation should be implemented to restrict file transfer capabilities to only trusted administrative systems, while monitoring for unusual file download patterns or configuration changes can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting which users or systems can initiate file transfers to the device, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential entry points that could be combined with this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing runtime application self-protection mechanisms and code integrity checks can provide additional defense-in-depth measures that may detect or prevent exploitation attempts even if traditional boundary checks fail. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded payment systems and demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation flaws can result in critical security consequences.
This vulnerability relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as exploitation typically requires both code execution capabilities and legitimate administrative access to perform file operations on the target device. The attack chain represents a typical privilege escalation scenario where initial access leads to file upload capabilities, which then enables the exploitation of the buffer overflow vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized code execution, while maintaining detailed audit logs of configuration changes to enable forensic analysis in case of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in security-sensitive applications and the potential consequences of insufficient buffer management in embedded systems.