CVE-2019-14713 in MX900
Summary
by MITRE • 10/23/2020
Verifone MX900 series Pinpad Payment Terminals with OS 30251000 allow installation of unsigned packages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2020
The Verifone MX900 series pinpad payment terminals represent critical infrastructure components in retail and financial environments where payment processing security is paramount. These devices operate on a specific operating system version identified as 30251000 and are designed to handle sensitive cardholder data during transaction processing. The vulnerability resides in the device's firmware update mechanism which fails to properly validate the authenticity of software packages before installation. This weakness allows malicious actors to potentially install unauthorized code onto the terminal, effectively bypassing the intended security controls that protect against unauthorized modifications to the device's operational software. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication process during package installation, creating a path for code injection attacks that could compromise the integrity of the payment processing environment.
This technical flaw constitutes a significant security weakness that aligns with CWE-1104, which addresses the use of untrusted input in package installation processes. The vulnerability enables what is known as a privilege escalation attack vector where an attacker can gain elevated privileges through the installation of unsigned packages. The MX900 series terminals are designed to operate in highly regulated environments where security compliance is mandatory, yet this flaw creates an exploitable condition that violates fundamental security principles. The device's operating system lacks proper code signing verification mechanisms, allowing any package to be installed without cryptographic validation of its source or integrity. This represents a critical failure in the device's security architecture and creates opportunities for attackers to deploy malware that could capture card data, manipulate transaction processing, or disrupt service availability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized code execution to encompass potential financial fraud and system compromise. Attackers who exploit this vulnerability could install keyloggers to capture sensitive card data, deploy man-in-the-middle attack tools to intercept transaction communications, or modify the terminal's behavior to redirect payments to fraudulent accounts. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these devices are often deployed in retail environments where they are accessible to customers and may be physically tampered with. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent backdoors within the payment processing infrastructure, potentially allowing for long-term surveillance of transaction data and system behavior. This type of compromise can lead to significant financial losses for both merchants and card issuers, as well as regulatory penalties for non-compliance with payment card industry standards.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and the broader architectural weaknesses that enabled the issue. Organizations should implement strict network segmentation to isolate payment terminals from general network access, deploy endpoint protection solutions that monitor for unauthorized package installations, and establish robust change management processes for firmware updates. The remediation process requires that all affected devices be updated to firmware versions that properly implement code signing verification, which should be validated through cryptographic checksums before installation. Security controls should also include regular monitoring for unauthorized device modifications and implementation of device integrity checking mechanisms that can detect when unsigned packages have been installed. From an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, requiring defensive measures that address both the initial compromise vector and potential long-term access. Organizations must also ensure compliance with pci dss requirements, which mandate that payment terminals maintain integrity and prevent unauthorized modifications to their operating environments.