J-Security Center

Title: Identix BioLogon Client Biometric Authentication Bypass Vulnerability

Severity: MODERATE

Description:

Identix BioLogon Client is a software utility which provides support for biometric security measures(fingerprint readers, smartcards, etc.) on Microsoft Windows systems. Part of its design is to help restrict unauthorized users from physically accessing the host.

A problem exists in the implementation of BioLogon.
The BioLogon Client attempts to trigger biometric authentication measures when users attempt to unlock the screensaver and gain physical access to the host.

However, it was not designed to protect systems with multi-monitor support. If a host has more than one graphics card and monitor then BioLogon will not be able to secure the other "virtual desktops". Biometric devices attached to the host will not attempt to authenticate virtual desktop users unless input(via keyboard, mouse, etc.) is occuring on the first screen(screen zero).

The impact of this issue is that malicious users will be able to obtain physical access to a vulnerable host, provided other obstacles which limit physical access are hurdled.

It has been confirmed that BioLogon Client on Windows 98 or ME with multi-monitor support enabled, are vulnerable to this issue.

Affected Products:

  • Identix BioLogon Client 2.0.0
  • Identix BioLogon Client 2.0.1
  • Identix BioLogon Client 2.0.2
  • Identix BioLogon Client 2.0.3

References:

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