A recent physical penetration test conducted by cybersecurity firm Hackmosphere, revealed critical security flaws in a furniture company’s retail store.
The test, which simulated real-world attack scenarios, exposed four major vulnerabilities that could potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems.
Exploiting Physical Vulnerabilities in Retail Environment
The penetration testers employed a four-step approach, including reconnaissance, information gathering, scenario planning, and execution.
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Their primary objectives were to enter the store manager’s office undetected and infiltrate the store’s computer system.
The first vulnerability discovered was the presence of unlocked and unattended computers in the sales lobby.
These terminals, left accessible to the public, presented an easy entry point for potential attackers.
The second flaw involved activated USB ports on lobby computers, which the testers exploited using a “Rubber Ducky” USB device to gain control of an unprivileged user account on the company’s domain.
Methodology and Findings
Perhaps the most critical vulnerability was the lack of network access control (NAC).
The testers successfully connected a LanTurtle device between a lobby computer and the network switch, obtaining an IP address on the company’s domain.
This allowed them to establish a remote SSH connection to their control server, effectively gaining direct access to the internal network.
Lastly, the penetration testers were able to access the store manager’s office by exploiting poorly secured access points and leveraging information from publicly displayed evacuation plans.
The successful penetration test highlights the often-overlooked importance of physical security in cybersecurity strategies.
The vulnerabilities discovered could potentially be exploited by malicious actors to exfiltrate customer data, deploy ransomware, or execute other harmful activities within the company’s network.
To address these issues, Hackmosphere recommended implementing automatic computer locking mechanisms, disabling USB ports on public-facing computers, installing network access control systems, and improving physical access controls to restricted areas.
Additionally, they emphasized the need for employee training on security protocols and regular testing to ensure compliance.
This case study serves as a stark reminder that comprehensive cybersecurity must encompass both digital and physical aspects of an organization’s infrastructure.
As threats continue to evolve, companies must remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities across all facets of their operations.
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