CVE-2019-7252
📋 TL;DR
Linear eMerge E3-Series access control systems have hardcoded default credentials that cannot be changed. This allows attackers to gain administrative access to physical security systems, affecting organizations using these devices for building access control.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linear eMerge E3-Series
📦 What is this software?
Linear Emerge Elite Firmware by Nortekcontrol
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete physical security compromise allowing unauthorized building access, door control manipulation, and potential physical harm or theft.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to secure areas, door lock manipulation, and surveillance system access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are isolated on separate networks with strict access controls.
🎯 Exploit Status
Attackers can use default credentials documented in public advisories to gain admin access without authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Contact vendor for specific firmware updates
Vendor Advisory: https://www.linearcorp.com/support/security-advisories
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Contact Linear support for latest firmware. 2. Backup configuration. 3. Apply firmware update. 4. Change all default credentials. 5. Restart devices.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network segmentation
allIsolate eMerge devices on separate VLAN with strict firewall rules
Access control lists
allImplement IP-based restrictions to limit management interface access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Segment devices on isolated network with no internet access
- Implement strict firewall rules allowing only authorized management IPs
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Attempt to login to web interface using default credentials documented in advisoryCheck Version:
Check firmware version in device web interface or contact vendorVerify Fix Applied:
Verify default credentials no longer work and new strong credentials are required📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Failed login attempts followed by successful admin login
- Multiple authentication attempts from single source
Network Indicators:
- Unauthorized access to management ports (typically 80/443)
- Traffic to/from unexpected IP addresses
SIEM Query:
source_ip="*" AND (event_type="authentication" AND result="success") AND user="admin" AND device_type="eMerge"