CVE-2019-9863 in Secvest Wireless Alarm System FUAA50000
Summary
by MITRE
Due to the use of an insecure algorithm for rolling codes in the ABUS Secvest wireless alarm system FUAA50000 3.01.01 and its remote controls FUBE50014 and FUBE50015, an attacker is able to predict valid future rolling codes, and can thus remotely control the alarm system in an unauthorized way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9863 represents a critical security flaw in the ABUS Secvest wireless alarm system, specifically affecting the FUAA50000 alarm panel and its associated remote controls FUBE50014 and FUBE50015. This issue stems from the implementation of an insecure rolling code algorithm that fundamentally compromises the authentication mechanism designed to prevent unauthorized access to the security system. The flaw exists at the cryptographic level where the system fails to employ proper randomization techniques, creating predictable sequences that can be reverse-engineered by malicious actors. This vulnerability directly violates the principles of secure authentication and access control as outlined in industry standards such as CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the rolling code generation algorithm used within the wireless communication protocol of the Secvest system. When legitimate users operate their remote controls, the system generates a sequence of codes that should be unpredictable and non-reversible to prevent replay attacks. However, the insecure algorithm allows attackers to analyze the pattern of transmitted codes and calculate future valid codes within the rolling sequence. This predictable behavior enables unauthorized individuals to gain access to the alarm system without possessing legitimate credentials. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of cryptographic security requirements, particularly regarding the need for cryptographically secure random number generation as specified in NIST SP 800-90A standards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, creating significant risks for property security and personal safety. An attacker capable of predicting future rolling codes can potentially disable or arm the alarm system at will, rendering the entire security infrastructure ineffective. This capability allows for various malicious activities including unauthorized entry into secured premises, disabling security alerts during criminal activities, or creating false alarms to disrupt normal operations. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate physical security but also creates potential for broader security breaches, as the compromised system may be used as a foothold for further attacks on connected networks or other security systems within the facility.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention and multiple layers of defensive measures. The primary solution involves firmware updates from ABUS that implement proper cryptographic algorithms for rolling code generation, ensuring that each code sequence is truly random and unpredictable. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate the alarm system from other network components, reducing the attack surface available to potential intruders. Additional security controls such as monitoring for unusual code sequences, implementing intrusion detection systems, and conducting regular security audits should be deployed. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1072 (Software Deployment Tools) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may attempt to exploit this weakness through various attack vectors, while the remediation efforts align with defensive techniques focused on credential protection and secure software development practices.