CVE-2019-11523 in Anviz
Summary
by MITRE
Anviz Global M3 Outdoor RFID Access Control executes any command received from any source. No authentication/encryption is done. Attackers can fully interact with the device: for example, send the "open door" command, download the users list (which includes RFID codes and passcodes in cleartext), or update/create users. The same attack can be executed on a local network and over the internet (if the device is exposed on a public IP address).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-11523 represents a critical security flaw in the Anviz Global M3 Outdoor RFID Access Control device that fundamentally undermines the device's security posture through complete lack of authentication and encryption mechanisms. This device operates without any form of access control verification, allowing any external entity to establish communication and execute arbitrary commands regardless of their authorization status. The absence of cryptographic protection means that all communications between the attacker and the device occur in plaintext, creating an environment where sensitive information can be intercepted and manipulated without any defensive measures. The vulnerability manifests as a complete breakdown in the device's security architecture, where the fundamental principle of least privilege is completely ignored, enabling unauthorized access to critical system functions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-310 (Cryptography Issues) while also demonstrating characteristics of CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) and CWE-306 (Missing Authentication). The device's failure to implement any form of authentication mechanism creates an attack surface that allows adversaries to perform privileged operations without proper authorization. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include complete system compromise, as attackers can execute commands such as opening doors, extracting user databases containing sensitive RFID codes and passcodes, and modifying user access credentials. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference where the device lacks any form of access control enforcement, making it vulnerable to manipulation by any attacker with network connectivity to the device.
The attack vectors for this vulnerability are particularly concerning due to the device's exposure capabilities both within local networks and over the internet when publicly accessible. This dual exposure creates multiple attack pathways where adversaries can leverage either local network access or remote internet connections to exploit the vulnerability. The device's lack of encryption means that any data transmitted between the attacker and the device can be easily intercepted and analyzed, potentially revealing sensitive information such as user credentials and access patterns. The implications extend to broader security infrastructure concerns, as unauthorized access to an access control system can provide attackers with physical access to secured facilities, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where physical security is paramount. The attack surface is further expanded by the device's ability to function without authentication, allowing for automated exploitation and potential large-scale compromise of access control systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate and long-term security concerns through comprehensive remediation approaches. Organizations should immediately isolate affected devices from untrusted networks and implement network segmentation to prevent unauthorized access. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling remote access to the device when possible and ensuring that all communications occur through secure, authenticated channels. Device firmware updates should be applied immediately if available from the vendor, though the vulnerability's nature suggests that the manufacturer may have failed to implement basic security measures. Network-based mitigations include implementing firewall rules to restrict access to the device's communication ports and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure device configuration practices and regular security assessments of IoT and access control systems. Organizations should consider implementing additional authentication layers, such as VPN access or dedicated secure communication protocols, to protect against unauthorized access while maintaining operational functionality. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of implementing proper authentication, authorization, and encryption mechanisms in all networked devices, particularly those controlling physical access to facilities and sensitive environments.