CVE-2019-7589 in EntraPass Global Edition
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability with the SmartService API Service option exists whereby an unauthorized user could potentially exploit this to upload malicious code to the server that could be executed at system level privileges. This affects Johnson Controls' Kantech EntraPass Corporate Edition versions 8.0 and prior; Kantech EntraPass Global Edition versions 8.0 and prior.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7589 represents a critical security flaw within Johnson Controls' Kantech EntraPass access control systems, specifically affecting both Corporate and Global Edition versions 8.0 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the SmartService API Service component, which serves as a critical interface for system management and configuration. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and authorization controls that allow unauthenticated attackers to exploit a code upload functionality. The affected systems operate in environments where physical security and access control are paramount, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could potentially grant attackers full system-level privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-434 category, specifically CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which directly relates to the insecure file upload mechanisms that enable malicious code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the SmartService API Service's file upload capabilities, which lack proper authentication checks and file type validation. An attacker can bypass authentication mechanisms and upload malicious files to the server without proper authorization, potentially including executable code, scripts, or payload files that can be executed with system-level privileges. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that the affected Kantech EntraPass systems are typically deployed in enterprise environments where they serve as central access control points, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to critical infrastructure. The exploitation process involves sending crafted requests to the API endpoint that accepts file uploads, leveraging the absence of proper access controls and validation mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents an attack vector through publicly accessible API services.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-7589 extends beyond simple unauthorized code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and security of access control systems that organizations rely upon for physical and digital security. Once exploited, attackers could gain persistent access to the system, potentially leading to complete network compromise through lateral movement and privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects systems that manage access control for buildings, facilities, and critical infrastructure, making the potential impact severe for organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and manufacturing. Organizations using affected versions of Kantech EntraPass may face significant operational disruption, regulatory compliance issues, and potential physical security breaches. The vulnerability's presence in both Corporate and Global Edition versions indicates a widespread impact across Johnson Controls' product line, affecting organizations that have deployed these systems in critical security environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling or restricting access to the vulnerable SmartService API endpoints, implementing proper authentication controls, and applying the vendor-provided patches or updates. Network segmentation and monitoring of API traffic can help detect exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices, particularly around file upload mechanisms and API access controls, as outlined in industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as intrusion detection systems, network monitoring, and regular vulnerability assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in their environments. The incident highlights the need for continuous security monitoring and patch management processes, particularly for critical infrastructure systems where security failures can have far-reaching operational consequences.