The Hidden Risks of Axis Door Controllers: Bridging the Gap Between Physical and Cybersecurity

ICS/OT Axis Door Controller Vulnerability Exposes Facilities to Physical, Cyber Threats

The Vulnerability

Axis Communications, a Swedish security solutions provider, has recently released patches and security improvements to address a potentially serious vulnerability affecting its network door controller, the Axis A1001. Tracked as CVE-2023-21406 and rated ‘high severity’, the flaw is a heap-based buffer overflow that can lead to both physical and cyber threats. The vulnerability is related to the Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP), an access control communications standard.

The vulnerability allows an attacker with physical access to the RS-485 twisted pair cable at the rear of an access control reader to exploit the flaw. This reader is typically located at the entry point of a secured facility or perimeter. By appending invalid data to an OSDP message, an attacker can write data beyond the allocated buffer, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability can also be used to bypass tamper protection and open doors, manipulate logs on the access controller, and achieve remote code execution on the internal access controller from outside the facility.

The Implications

The implications of this vulnerability are significant. Exploitation of the vulnerability can lead to physical breaches of facilities, compromising their security and potentially endangering personnel and assets. Additionally, the ability to execute arbitrary code and gain access to the internal IP network opens the door to further cyber threats, such as unauthorized access to critical systems, exfiltration of sensitive data, and potential disruption of operations. The fact that the vulnerability can be exploited over the serial channel used for reader-controller communications further underscores the severity of the issue.

The Importance of Hidden Risks

This vulnerability highlights the importance of addressing hidden risks in physical security systems that bridge the gap between the physical and cyber realms. Facilities often invest in robust physical security measures, such as access control systems, to protect against unauthorized entry. However, when these systems are interconnected with networks and rely on software and communication protocols, they can introduce vulnerabilities that can be exploited by determined attackers.

Editorial

The discovery of the Axis door controller vulnerability serves as a stark reminder that physical security systems are not immune to cyber threats. As our society becomes increasingly interconnected, with networks facilitating communication and control across numerous domains, the potential attack surface expands. Ignoring the cyber risks associated with physical security systems can have far-reaching consequences, especially in critical infrastructure sectors where a breach can have devastating effects.

Advice

To mitigate the risks associated with the Axis door controller vulnerability and similar threats, organizations should:

1. Apply the security patches and additional improvements released by Axis Communications promptly. Keeping systems up to date with the latest security measures is crucial in preventing exploitation of known vulnerabilities.

2. Assess the security of access control systems, particularly those that bridge the gap between the physical and cyber realms. Conduct thorough risk assessments and penetration testing to identify potential vulnerabilities and address them proactively.

3. Implement strong access controls and monitoring mechanisms, both physically and digitally. Restrict physical access to critical systems and maintain strict controls over who can access and manipulate the underlying software and protocols.

4. Regularly review and update security policies, procedures, and employee training to ensure that personnel are aware of the potential risks and adhere to best practices in physical and cyber security.

5. Consider the deployment of additional layers of security, such as intrusion detection systems, network segmentation, and secure communication protocols, to further protect access control systems and prevent unauthorized access.

By taking a comprehensive approach to security, encompassing both physical and cyber aspects, organizations can enhance their resilience to threats and minimize the potential impact of vulnerabilities like the one discovered in the Axis door controller.