CVE-2019-3908 in Identicard
Summary
by MITRE
Premisys Identicard version 3.1.190 stores backup files as encrypted zip files. The password to the zip is hard-coded and unchangeable. An attacker with access to these backups can decrypt them and obtain sensitive data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-3908 affects Premisys Identicard version 3.1.190, a system designed for identity management and access control. This flaw represents a critical weakness in the software's backup and recovery mechanisms, where backup files are stored in encrypted zip archives. The security implementation fails to provide adequate protection for sensitive data, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on this system for identity management. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of secure cryptographic practices, where the system relies on a hard-coded password that cannot be modified or updated by administrators. This design choice directly violates security best practices and creates an inherent weakness that undermines the entire security framework of the backup system.
The technical flaw in CVE-2019-3908 stems from the implementation of a static, hardcoded password within the backup encryption process. This specific weakness can be categorized under CWE-259, which addresses the use of hard-coded passwords or keys, and also relates to CWE-312, concerning the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling. The backup files generated by Premisys Identicard version 3.1.190 contain sensitive identity management data including user credentials, access permissions, and potentially personal identification information. When an attacker gains access to these backup files, they can easily decrypt the contents using the predetermined password, effectively bypassing any encryption protections that were ostensibly in place. The unchangeable nature of this password means that even if administrators become aware of the vulnerability, they cannot remediate the issue through standard configuration changes, making this a persistent threat that remains active until the software is updated or replaced.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, creating a comprehensive security risk for organizations using Premisys Identicard systems. Attackers who gain access to backup files can obtain detailed information about user accounts, authentication methods, and access control configurations that would otherwise be protected. This information could be leveraged to conduct further attacks including credential stuffing, privilege escalation, or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability also creates a significant risk for compliance with various regulatory frameworks such as gdpr, hipaa, and pci dss, as the exposure of sensitive identity data could result in substantial legal and financial consequences. Organizations may face audit failures and regulatory penalties for failing to adequately protect sensitive information, particularly when the vulnerability is known to exist but cannot be easily remediated through standard security measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-3908 require immediate action from affected organizations to address the hardcoded password vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a newer version of Premisys Identicard software that addresses this specific flaw through proper password management and configurable encryption parameters. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as restricting access to backup files through network segmentation and access controls, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access these sensitive archives. The implementation of regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other systems and prevent similar issues from occurring. According to the mitre att&ck framework, this vulnerability could be exploited during the credential access and persistence phases, making it particularly dangerous for attackers seeking long-term access to identity management systems. Organizations should also consider implementing alternative backup solutions that provide proper encryption key management and ensure that backup files are stored with appropriate access controls and monitoring mechanisms.