CVE-2023-7006 identifies a critical security vulnerability in the Sciener Kontrol Lux smart lock firmware version 6.4.5. The vulnerability stems from CWE-799, which involves improper control of interaction frequency, allowing an attacker to brute force the unlockKey character by sending repeated challenge requests to the lock. This flaw means the lock does not adequately limit or throttle the number of authentication attempts, enabling an attacker to systematically guess the unlockKey without any prior authentication or user interaction. The unlockKey is a critical component that controls the lock's integrity; if compromised, it allows unauthorized physical access. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-307, indicating insufficient control over the frequency of security-relevant interactions. The CVSS v3.1 score of 9.1 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H) reflects that the attack can be performed remotely over the network, requires no privileges or user interaction, and results in high impact on integrity and availability, although confidentiality is not directly affected. No patches or exploits are currently reported, but the risk remains significant due to the nature of the device and potential physical security implications. The lock’s firmware version 6.4.5 is specifically affected, and users should be vigilant for updates from Sciener. The vulnerability highlights the risks inherent in IoT devices that lack robust rate limiting and authentication controls, especially in security-critical applications like smart locks.

The primary impact of CVE-2023-7006 on European organizations lies in the compromise of physical security controls provided by the Sciener Kontrol Lux smart locks. Unauthorized brute forcing of the unlockKey can lead to unauthorized entry into secured premises, risking theft, espionage, or sabotage. This is particularly critical for sectors such as residential housing, hospitality, commercial real estate, and facilities management where these locks are deployed. The integrity and availability of the locking mechanism are directly affected, potentially causing operational disruptions and safety hazards. For organizations relying on these locks for access control, the vulnerability undermines trust in IoT security solutions and may lead to increased costs related to incident response, physical security upgrades, and reputational damage. Given the remote exploitability without authentication, attackers can operate stealthily, increasing the risk of unnoticed breaches. European data protection regulations, such as GDPR, may also be implicated if unauthorized physical access leads to data breaches or loss of personal data. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the critical severity demands immediate attention.

1. Monitor Sciener’s official channels for firmware updates addressing CVE-2023-7006 and apply patches promptly once available. 2. Implement network segmentation to isolate smart locks from general network traffic, limiting exposure to potential attackers. 3. Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) or anomaly detection tools to monitor for unusual patterns of challenge requests or repeated authentication attempts targeting the locks. 4. Enforce strict access controls on management interfaces and restrict remote access to the locks to trusted networks or VPNs. 5. If possible, configure rate limiting or throttling mechanisms at the network level to reduce the feasibility of brute force attacks. 6. Conduct regular security audits of IoT devices and integrate smart lock security into broader physical security policies. 7. Educate facility managers and security personnel about the vulnerability and signs of potential exploitation. 8. Consider alternative or additional physical security measures (e.g., mechanical locks or secondary authentication) until the vulnerability is fully mitigated. 9. Maintain logs of lock access attempts and review them regularly for suspicious activity. 10. Engage with Sciener support for guidance and potential interim mitigation strategies.