CVE-2023-34553 in Keyless Smart Lock
Summary
by MITRE • 06/23/2023
An issue was discovered in WAFU Keyless Smart Lock v1.0 allows attackers to unlock a device via code replay attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-34553 affects the WAFU Keyless Smart Lock version 1.0, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the device's authentication mechanism. This smart lock system, designed for residential and commercial access control, suffers from a fundamental weakness in its wireless communication protocol that permits unauthorized access through replay attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the lock's code-based authentication system, where legitimate access codes are transmitted wirelessly to unlock the device. Attackers can exploit this flaw by capturing legitimate authentication codes during transmission and then replaying these codes at a later time to gain unauthorized access to the protected premises.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate cryptographic protection and lack of proper session management within the smart lock's communication protocol. The device fails to implement time-based validation or unique session identifiers that would prevent replay attacks from succeeding. This weakness creates a persistent security gap where attackers can record valid access codes through various means such as signal interception, packet sniffing, or physical observation of code entry. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues, specifically focusing on the absence of proper cryptographic protection mechanisms in authentication protocols. From an operational perspective, this flaw transforms what should be a secure access control system into a vulnerable target that can be exploited by anyone with basic technical knowledge or access to the captured codes.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-34553 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating significant risks for both residential and commercial security environments. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain entry to homes, offices, or other secured locations at any time, potentially leading to property theft, privacy violations, or other criminal activities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the network protocol level, making it difficult to detect through standard security monitoring systems. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1566, specifically targeting credential access through social engineering or replay attacks. The attack vector is relatively simple to execute, requiring only the ability to capture legitimate codes and replay them, which means that even non-technical attackers can potentially exploit this vulnerability effectively.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and implement long-term protective measures for the affected smart lock systems. The primary recommendation involves implementing cryptographic protection mechanisms such as challenge-response protocols or time-based tokens that would prevent code reuse. Device manufacturers should implement proper authentication sequence validation, ensuring that each access code is only valid within a specific time window or after a unique challenge-response exchange. Additionally, network-level protections such as encrypted communication channels and authentication protocols should be enforced to prevent code interception during transmission. Organizations and individuals using these smart locks should immediately implement additional security measures including physical security controls, regular code rotation, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing robust cryptographic standards in IoT devices, particularly those handling sensitive access control functions, as highlighted in industry best practices for secure IoT deployment and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework requirements for critical infrastructure protection.