CVE-2019-5014 in FireFly FW-1007
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable improper access control vulnerability exists in the bluetooth low energy functionality of Winco Fireworks FireFly FW-1007 V2.0. An attacker can connect to the device to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2023
The CVE-2019-5014 vulnerability represents a critical improper access control flaw within the Bluetooth Low Energy implementation of the Winco Fireworks FireFly FW-1007 V2.0 device. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically manifesting as insufficient access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized entities to gain access to protected resources. The device in question is a firework control system that utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy for communication and control purposes, making it a potential target for malicious actors seeking to compromise explosive devices in the field. The vulnerability exists within the device's authentication and authorization framework, where proper access controls are not adequately enforced during the Bluetooth connection process. Attackers can exploit this weakness by establishing a Bluetooth connection to the device, effectively bypassing intended security boundaries that should restrict access to authorized personnel only.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the Bluetooth Low Energy communication channel, which operates on the IEEE 802.15.4 physical layer but utilizes the Bluetooth 5.0 protocol stack. The flaw manifests when the device fails to properly validate connection requests or authenticate users attempting to establish a Bluetooth session. This improper access control allows any nearby attacker with Bluetooth capabilities to connect to the device without proper credentials or authorization, potentially enabling them to manipulate the device's operational parameters or execute commands that should be restricted to authorized personnel. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a device used in fireworks applications where unauthorized access could lead to dangerous situations involving premature detonation or misfiring of explosive devices. The lack of proper session management and connection validation creates an attack surface that aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1072 for Application Deployment Software, where adversaries can establish persistent access to target systems through legitimate application interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5014 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a potential safety hazard in environments where fireworks are deployed. When an attacker successfully connects to the FireFly FW-1007 device, they may be able to modify timing sequences, alter firing patterns, or even trigger premature detonation events that could result in serious injury or property damage. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only basic Bluetooth connectivity capabilities, making it accessible to a wide range of potential attackers who may not possess specialized knowledge of embedded systems or firework safety protocols. The device's intended operational environment, typically involving outdoor firework displays, provides ample opportunity for attackers to approach within Bluetooth range and establish connections without detection. This access control failure undermines the security posture of the entire firework display system and represents a critical gap in the device's security architecture that violates industry standards for safety-critical systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5014 should focus on implementing proper authentication mechanisms and access control enforcement within the Bluetooth Low Energy implementation. Device manufacturers should ensure that all Bluetooth connections require proper authentication credentials before granting access to device functions, utilizing strong encryption and secure key exchange protocols to prevent unauthorized access attempts. The implementation of connection rate limiting and device monitoring capabilities would help detect and prevent brute force or repeated connection attempts that attackers might employ to exploit this vulnerability. Security patches should be developed to enforce proper access control checks at all stages of the Bluetooth connection process, ensuring that only authenticated and authorized users can establish communication with the device. Organizations deploying these devices should implement physical security measures to prevent unauthorized physical access to the devices, as well as network monitoring to detect suspicious Bluetooth activity in the vicinity of deployed systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of applying security by design principles to safety-critical embedded systems, particularly those involving explosive devices where proper access control mechanisms are essential to prevent catastrophic outcomes.