CVE-2019-13054 in R500
Summary
by MITRE
The Logitech R500 presentation clicker allows attackers to determine the AES key, leading to keystroke injection. On Windows, any text may be injected by using ALT+NUMPAD input to bypass the restriction on the characters A through Z.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2023
The Logitech R500 presentation clicker vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in wireless presentation devices that has significant implications for corporate and enterprise environments. This device, commonly used for remote presentations and slide navigation, contains a fundamental cryptographic weakness that allows attackers to extract the AES encryption key used to secure communications between the clicker and the receiving computer. The vulnerability stems from improper implementation of cryptographic protocols within the device's firmware, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors in close proximity to targeted systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a sophisticated attack vector that begins with the attacker capturing wireless communication between the legitimate clicker and the target computer. Through careful analysis of the communication patterns and timing characteristics, an attacker can perform cryptographic key recovery attacks that ultimately reveal the AES key. Once the key is determined, the attacker gains the ability to inject arbitrary keystrokes into the target system, effectively bypassing normal input restrictions and gaining unauthorized control over the presentation environment. This attack is particularly concerning because it operates at the input layer, making it difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring approaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple keystroke injection, as it provides attackers with a powerful foothold for further exploitation within targeted environments. On Windows systems, the vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous due to the specific implementation of character input handling that allows attackers to bypass typical restrictions on alphanumeric characters through the use of ALT+NUMPAD combinations. This technique enables attackers to input any text, including commands, passwords, and other sensitive information, effectively transforming the presentation clicker from a simple navigation tool into a sophisticated attack vector. The implications are severe for organizations that rely on presentation clickers for sensitive meetings, as attackers could potentially access confidential information, execute malicious commands, or perform unauthorized system actions.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with several common attack patterns documented in the attack framework, particularly those involving physical proximity attacks and device-based exploitation techniques. The attack model corresponds to the attack technique of credential access through device manipulation, which is categorized under the broader ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and credential access domains. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-327, which addresses broken cryptographic implementations, and CWE-255, which covers credential management flaws. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling wireless presentation devices in high-security environments, implementing network segmentation to isolate presentation systems, and deploying endpoint detection systems that can monitor for anomalous keystroke injection patterns.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires a multi-layered strategy that addresses both the immediate security risk and prevents similar issues in the future. Device manufacturers should be encouraged to implement proper cryptographic key management, including the use of secure random number generation and proper key derivation functions. Organizations should consider replacing affected devices with models that implement stronger cryptographic protections and regularly audit their wireless device inventories for similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, network administrators should implement monitoring solutions that can detect unusual keyboard input patterns and establish security policies that restrict the use of wireless presentation devices in sensitive environments. The vulnerability underscores the importance of considering physical security aspects in cybersecurity planning, as attacks that exploit wireless device weaknesses can occur without traditional network access requirements.