CVE-2025-1424 in InkPad Color 3
Summary
by MITRE • 03/04/2025
A privilege escalation vulnerability in PocketBook InkPad Color 3 allows attackers to escalate to root privileges if they gain physical access to the device. This issue affects InkPad Color 3 in version U743k3.6.8.3671.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2025
This privilege escalation vulnerability in PocketBook InkPad Color 3 represents a critical security flaw that undermines the device's integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability specifically affects version U743k3.6.8.3671 of the InkPad Color 3 e-reader device, which is designed for reading digital content but also incorporates a full operating system capable of running various applications. The flaw exists in the device's privilege management mechanisms, allowing an attacker with physical access to escalate their privileges to the root level, thereby gaining complete control over the device's functionality and data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate privilege separation within the device's operating system implementation. When an attacker gains physical access to the device, they can exploit a flaw in the system's permission model to elevate their privileges from a standard user account to root access. This typically occurs through manipulation of system processes, exploitation of insecure file permissions, or by leveraging weaknesses in the device's authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because physical access to the device is often achievable in real-world scenarios, making the attack surface significantly larger than typical software-only vulnerabilities. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-276, which describes insecure file permissions, and CWE-269, which addresses improper privilege management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise, as it enables attackers to access all stored content, including copyrighted materials, personal documents, and potentially sensitive information that users may have stored on the device. The root privilege escalation allows for complete system control, enabling malicious actors to install unauthorized applications, modify system files, access network communications, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems on a network. In the context of enterprise or educational environments where these devices might be used to store sensitive information, this vulnerability could facilitate data breaches and unauthorized access to protected content. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique under T1068, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges, and potentially T1543, which involves creating or modifying system processes to maintain persistence.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate device-level protections and long-term system hardening measures. Users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest firmware version that addresses this specific vulnerability, although the lack of a public patch at the time of reporting suggests that this may not be immediately available. Physical security measures such as device encryption, secure storage when not in use, and implementing strong access controls should be employed to prevent unauthorized physical access. Organizations deploying these devices should consider implementing device management solutions that can remotely monitor and control device access, while also establishing clear policies regarding device handling and security protocols. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure boot processes and proper privilege separation in embedded systems, aligning with industry best practices for securing IoT devices and mobile platforms. Regular security audits and penetration testing of such devices should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the system architecture that could potentially be exploited by threat actors.