CVE-2021-32089 in Fixed RFID Reader FX9500
Summary
by MITRE • 05/12/2021
** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** An issue was discovered on Zebra (formerly Motorola Solutions) Fixed RFID Reader FX9500 devices. An unauthenticated attacker can upload arbitrary files to the filesystem that can then be accessed through the web interface. This can lead to information disclosure and code execution. NOTE: This vulnerability only affects products that are no longer supported by the maintainer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2024
The CVE-2021-32089 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw affecting Zebra FX9500 fixed RFID readers that were previously supported by the vendor but are now end-of-life. This vulnerability stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms within the device's web interface, allowing unauthenticated attackers to exploit a file upload functionality that should have been restricted to authorized users only. The flaw exists in the device's firmware implementation where proper access controls have been bypassed, creating a pathway for malicious actors to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves an attacker leveraging a missing authentication check during file upload operations within the web interface. This allows arbitrary file uploads to the device's filesystem without proper verification of user credentials or authorization status. The vulnerability falls under CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems. The attacker can upload malicious files that are subsequently accessible through the web interface, creating a persistent threat vector that could be exploited for information disclosure, remote code execution, or further network compromise. The affected device architecture lacks proper input validation and file handling restrictions that would normally prevent such unauthorized operations.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on these RFID readers for inventory management, access control, or asset tracking systems. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers can gain access without requiring valid credentials, making detection more difficult and the attack surface broader. The potential for information disclosure includes access to sensitive RFID data, system configurations, and potentially other connected systems within the network. Code execution capabilities could allow attackers to install backdoors, modify device behavior, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks against the enterprise network. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques such as T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for phishing, as the device may be used for reconnaissance or as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical systems, disabling unnecessary web interfaces where possible, and applying any available security patches from Zebra if still supported. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining proper end-of-life support policies and conducting regular security assessments of legacy systems. Device administrators should consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual file upload activities and establish procedures for identifying and replacing unsupported hardware. The vulnerability also highlights the need for proper firmware update mechanisms and security testing during the development lifecycle to prevent similar authorization bypass issues in future implementations. Given that this is a legacy device no longer supported by the vendor, organizations should prioritize migration to supported models with proper security controls and ongoing maintenance support.