CVE-2019-14717 in Verix OS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/23/2020
Verifone Verix OS on VerixV Pinpad Payment Terminals with QT000530 have a Buffer Overflow via the Run system call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-14717 affects Verifone Verix OS operating system implementations on VerixV Pinpad Payment Terminals, specifically those with the QT000530 hardware revision. This critical buffer overflow vulnerability exists within the system's execution handling mechanism, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to compromise the payment terminal's operational integrity. The flaw manifests through the Run system call functionality, which processes external commands or programs within the terminal's operating environment. This vulnerability represents a significant security risk given the sensitive nature of payment processing equipment and the potential for financial data compromise.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the Run system call receives input data that exceeds the allocated buffer size within the Verix OS memory management structure. This condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the system call handler, creating an exploitable condition where malicious payloads can be injected beyond normal buffer boundaries. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions in stack-based buffers, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that enables memory corruption attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as payment terminals represent critical infrastructure for financial transactions. An attacker exploiting this buffer overflow could potentially execute malicious code with elevated privileges, gaining access to sensitive payment data, encryption keys, or system configuration information. The compromised terminal could serve as a pivot point for broader network attacks within Point of Sale environments, particularly in retail or hospitality sectors where payment terminals are interconnected. This vulnerability creates opportunities for data exfiltration, transaction manipulation, or complete system takeover that would compromise both customer and merchant financial security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Verifone to address the buffer overflow condition in the Run system call implementation. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate payment terminals from critical business systems, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for anomalous system call patterns, implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify buffer overflow exploitation attempts, and conducting regular security assessments of payment terminal configurations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems, particularly regarding input validation and memory management. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting unauthorized system call execution to minimize exploitation risks. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for continuous security monitoring and patch management in payment processing environments, as outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and aligned with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for command and scripting interpreter execution.