CVE-2024-1454 is a use-after-free vulnerability discovered in the AuthentIC driver component of OpenSC packages, specifically version 0.25.0. The flaw occurs during the card enrolment process when using the pkcs15-init tool, which is responsible for enrolling or modifying smart cards. The vulnerability arises because the driver improperly handles memory during interactions with APDUs (Application Protocol Data Units) sent by smart cards or USB devices. An attacker with physical access can exploit this by presenting a specially crafted USB device or smart card that sends malicious APDU responses, triggering the use-after-free condition. This can lead to compromised card management operations, potentially allowing unauthorized modifications or disruptions during enrolment. However, exploitation complexity is high due to the need for physical access, crafting specialized hardware, and user interaction during enrolment. The vulnerability does not require prior privileges but does require user interaction, limiting remote exploitation. The CVSS 3.1 score is 3.4 (low), reflecting limited impact on confidentiality and integrity, no impact on availability, and high attack complexity. No known exploits have been reported in the wild. The vulnerability is relevant to environments using OpenSC for smart card management, which is common in government, financial, and enterprise sectors that rely on smart card authentication and cryptographic operations.

For European organizations, the impact is primarily on the integrity of smart card enrolment processes. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to manipulate card credentials or enrolment data, potentially undermining authentication mechanisms or access controls that rely on these cards. This could lead to unauthorized access or disruption of secure operations, especially in sectors like government, defense, finance, and critical infrastructure where smart cards are widely used. However, the requirement for physical access and specialized hardware limits the scope and likelihood of exploitation. Organizations with strict physical security and controlled enrolment procedures face lower risk. The vulnerability does not affect availability, so denial-of-service impacts are unlikely. Confidentiality impact is limited but not negligible if enrolment data is altered. Overall, the threat is low but should be considered in risk assessments for environments with high-value smart card usage.

1. Monitor OpenSC project updates and apply patches promptly once a fixed version addressing CVE-2024-1454 is released. 2. Restrict physical access to systems used for smart card enrolment and management to trusted personnel only. 3. Implement strict procedural controls during card enrolment to detect and prevent use of unauthorized or suspicious USB devices or smart cards. 4. Employ hardware-based security measures such as USB port control and device whitelisting to prevent connection of unapproved devices. 5. Audit and log all card enrolment operations to detect anomalies or unauthorized modifications. 6. Educate administrators and users involved in enrolment about the risks of using untrusted hardware. 7. Consider isolating enrolment systems from general-purpose networks to reduce attack surface. 8. Evaluate alternative smart card management tools if OpenSC usage is widespread and patching is delayed.