CVE-2024-1454 is a use-after-free vulnerability identified in the AuthentIC driver component of the OpenSC package, specifically affecting version 0.25.0. OpenSC is an open-source project that provides tools and libraries for smart card integration and management, commonly used for cryptographic operations and secure authentication. The vulnerability arises during the card enrolment process when using the pkcs15-init utility, which is responsible for initializing and managing PKCS#15-compliant smart cards. During enrolment or modification of cards by a user or administrator, the AuthentIC driver improperly handles memory, leading to a use-after-free condition. This flaw can be triggered by an attacker who has physical access to the target system and can present a specially crafted USB device or smart card that sends manipulated Application Protocol Data Units (APDUs) to the system. Exploiting this vulnerability requires high complexity due to the need for physical access and crafting of specific responses, and it involves user interaction (enrolment or modification process). The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality and integrity of card management operations, potentially allowing an attacker to interfere with or compromise the enrolment process. However, there is no indication that this vulnerability leads to denial of service or remote code execution. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 3.4, reflecting low severity, with attack vector being physical, high attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and a scope change. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no patches or vendor advisories are currently linked.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-1454 is primarily relevant to entities that rely on OpenSC for smart card-based authentication, cryptographic operations, or secure identity management. This includes government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and enterprises using smart cards for secure login or digital signatures. The vulnerability could allow an attacker with physical access to manipulate card enrolment or modification, potentially undermining the integrity of authentication credentials or cryptographic keys stored on smart cards. Although the severity is low and exploitation complexity is high, the risk is non-negligible in high-security environments where physical access controls might be bypassed or where insider threats exist. The confidentiality and integrity of card management processes could be compromised, leading to unauthorized credential issuance or modification. However, the lack of remote exploitability and requirement for user interaction limit the scope of impact. Organizations using OpenSC in critical infrastructure or regulated sectors should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments, especially where smart card enrolment is performed in less controlled physical environments.

To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2024-1454, European organizations should: 1) Immediately update OpenSC packages to versions later than 0.25.0 once patches become available, as the current version is vulnerable. 2) Restrict physical access to systems performing smart card enrolment or modification to trusted personnel only, implementing strict access control and monitoring. 3) Employ hardware security modules (HSMs) or dedicated smart card management appliances that do not rely solely on vulnerable OpenSC components for enrolment. 4) Enforce multi-factor authentication and audit logging for card enrolment operations to detect and respond to suspicious activities. 5) Educate administrators and users about the risks of using untrusted USB devices or smart cards during enrolment processes. 6) Consider isolating enrolment systems from general-purpose workstations to reduce exposure. 7) Monitor vendor advisories for patches or updates and apply them promptly. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on physical security, process hardening, and operational controls specific to the enrolment environment.