CVE-2019-14453 in App lejos de casa
Summary
by MITRE • 08/03/2021
An issue was discovered in Comelit "App lejos de casa (web)" 2.8.0. It allows privilege escalation via modified domus and logged fields, related to js/bridge.min.js and login.json. For example, an attacker can achieve high privileges (installer or administrator) for the graphical interface via a 1C000000000S value for domus, in conjunction with a zero value for logged.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-14453 affects Comelit's "App lejos de casa (web)" version 2.8.0, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw within the web-based home automation interface. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and authentication mechanisms within the application's JavaScript bridge component, specifically in the js/bridge.min.js file and its interaction with login.json configuration files. The vulnerability manifests through manipulated session parameters that allow unauthorized users to elevate their privileges within the system's graphical interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on manipulating two specific parameters within the authentication flow: the domus field and the logged field. When an attacker sets the domus parameter to a specific value of 1C000000000S while simultaneously setting the logged parameter to zero, the system incorrectly processes these inputs and grants elevated privileges to the user account. This flaw demonstrates a classic case of insecure parameter handling where the application fails to properly validate user inputs against expected value ranges and authentication states. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this privilege escalation vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it allows attackers to gain access to installer or administrator level privileges within the home automation system. Once elevated, attackers can manipulate all aspects of the connected home automation infrastructure including but not limited to controlling smart home devices, modifying system configurations, accessing sensitive user data, and potentially compromising the entire network ecosystem. This vulnerability particularly affects residential and commercial installations where the Comelit system controls critical home automation functions, making it a significant target for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to smart home environments. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access as the elevated privileges could enable attackers to create persistent backdoors or exfiltrate data from connected IoT devices.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing robust input validation and authentication checks within web applications, particularly those controlling physical security systems. The flaw represents a failure in the application's security architecture where parameter manipulation can bypass authentication mechanisms entirely. Organizations should consider implementing proper access control lists, enforcing strict input validation on all parameters, and implementing additional authentication layers beyond simple session management. The vulnerability also highlights the need for secure coding practices and regular security assessments of web-based control systems that interface with physical security infrastructure. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected application, implementation of network segmentation to isolate critical systems, and deployment of intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious parameter manipulation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical security considerations required when developing web interfaces for physical security and automation systems, where the consequences of privilege escalation can extend far beyond traditional digital boundaries into the physical realm of home and business security.