CVE-2020-9062 in ProCash 2100xe USB ATM
Summary
by MITRE
Diebold Nixdorf ProCash 2100xe USB ATMs running Wincor Probase version 1.1.30 do not encrypt, authenticate, or verify the integrity of messages between the CCDM and the host computer, allowing an attacker with physical access to internal ATM components to commit deposit forgery by intercepting and modifying messages to the host computer, such as the amount and value of currency being deposited.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2020
The Diebold Nixdorf ProCash 2100xe USB ATM represents a critical security vulnerability in the financial services infrastructure, specifically targeting the communication protocols between the Cash Control Device Module (CCDM) and the host computer system. This vulnerability affects devices running Wincor Probase version 1.1.30, which operates within the ATM ecosystem as a crucial component for processing cash transactions. The flaw stems from the complete absence of cryptographic protection mechanisms during message transmission, creating a fundamental security gap that undermines the integrity of financial operations. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker gains physical access to internal ATM components, exploiting the lack of encryption, authentication, and integrity verification measures that should normally protect sensitive financial data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the communication stack between the ATM's CCDM and host system, where messages containing critical deposit information flow without any form of cryptographic protection. This absence of security controls creates a man-in-the-middle attack surface that allows adversaries to intercept, modify, and replay financial transactions with complete impunity. The specific attack vector involves physical access to the ATM's internal components, which enables the attacker to manipulate the communication channel between the cash handling module and the host computer. The vulnerability permits modification of deposit transaction values, enabling attackers to artificially inflate or deflate the amount of currency being processed, which directly impacts the financial integrity of the ATM system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple financial fraud to compromise the entire ATM ecosystem's trust model and operational security. Attackers can manipulate deposit amounts to create false transaction records, leading to unauthorized fund releases or false inventory reporting that could go undetected for extended periods. The vulnerability affects the core banking operations by potentially allowing attackers to drain funds from ATM cash reserves through manipulated deposit transactions, while simultaneously undermining the audit trail that banks rely upon for financial accountability. This flaw represents a critical weakness in the security architecture of the ProCash 2100xe ATM, as it directly impacts the financial integrity of transactions and creates opportunities for significant monetary losses.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in security protocols, and demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure communication practices. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 for execution through physical access and T1566 for social engineering or physical compromise of ATM systems. The lack of message authentication codes, digital signatures, or encryption protocols creates a security gap that allows attackers to modify transaction parameters without detection. Organizations implementing this ATM configuration face significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability requires physical access to exploit, but once compromised, can result in substantial financial losses and regulatory compliance violations. The impact on financial institutions includes potential regulatory penalties under banking security standards, increased insurance costs, and reputational damage from successful fraud incidents.
Effective mitigation strategies must address both the immediate security gap and implement comprehensive security controls around ATM physical access and network communication. Organizations should implement hardware-based security measures including secure communication channels with encryption, authentication, and integrity verification protocols. The solution requires deployment of cryptographic protection mechanisms for all messages exchanged between the CCDM and host computer, including implementation of secure key management practices and regular security assessments of ATM components. Additionally, physical security controls should be enhanced to prevent unauthorized access to ATM internal components, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous transaction patterns that may indicate manipulation of deposit values. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to address known vulnerabilities, with comprehensive incident response procedures established to handle potential exploitation attempts. The mitigation approach must also include staff training on recognizing signs of physical tampering and establishing secure communication protocols that prevent the specific attack vectors identified in this vulnerability.