CVE-2019-7252 in Linear eMerge E3
Summary
by MITRE
Linear eMerge E3-Series devices have Default Credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2023
The Linear eMerge E3-Series devices represent a class of industrial control systems and network infrastructure equipment that are widely deployed in enterprise environments for managing access control and security operations. These devices are designed to integrate with various security systems including door controllers, card readers, and biometric scanners, making them critical components in physical security infrastructures. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7252 specifically targets the authentication mechanisms of these devices, exposing them to unauthorized access through the use of default credentials that are not properly changed by administrators during deployment. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of weak authentication practices and misconfiguration issues that have been consistently identified as high-risk threats in industrial control system environments.
The technical flaw in CVE-2019-7252 stems from the implementation of default administrative credentials that remain unchanged throughout the device lifecycle. These default credentials are typically embedded within the device firmware or documentation provided by the manufacturer, creating a persistent security weakness that attackers can exploit without requiring advanced technical skills or specialized tools. The vulnerability is classified as a credential exposure issue that aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software. The default administrative access provides attackers with full control over the device configuration, allowing them to modify access control policies, add or remove users, and potentially gain access to other systems connected to the same network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to compromise entire physical security ecosystems within organizations. Once an attacker gains administrative access to an eMerge E3-Series device, they can manipulate access control policies to grant themselves or others unauthorized entry to restricted areas, potentially leading to physical security breaches, data theft, or disruption of critical operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where these devices often serve as gateways between different network segments, making them prime targets for lateral movement attacks. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including credential access through default credentials and privilege escalation, as attackers can leverage the default administrative access to establish persistent access and expand their control within the network environment.
Organizations deploying Linear eMerge E3-Series devices must implement immediate remediation measures to address this vulnerability, including changing default credentials to strong, unique passwords and implementing regular credential rotation policies. Network segmentation should be enforced to limit access to these devices to authorized personnel only, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper device lifecycle management, including ensuring that default credentials are disabled or changed during initial deployment and that security configurations are regularly audited. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms where possible and establish security awareness training for personnel responsible for managing these devices to prevent the recurrence of similar credential-related vulnerabilities.