A breach in a database of biometric
security smart lock platform Suprema BioStar 2 exposed more than one million fingerprint
records as well as facial recognition information and other sensitive data.
The web-based system is used by the
likes of the U.K. Metropolitan Police to control access to physical facilities
and manage users permissions. Researchers from vpnMentor led by Noam Rotem and
Ran Locar on August 5 were able to access
the data, which was since secured by August 13.
“The data leaked in the breach is of a highly
sensitive nature. It
includes detailed personal
information of employees and unencrypted usernames and passwords, giving
hackers access to user accounts and permissions at facilities using BioStar 2,”
according to a vpnMonitor blog post. “Malicious
agents could use this to hack into
secure facilities and manipulate their security protocols for criminal
activities.”
Calling
the breach “a huge leak that endangers both the businesses and organizations
involved, as well as their employees,” the researchers said they were “able to access over 1 million fingerprint
records, as well as facial recognition information” that when combined
with the personal information and credentials creates a “massive” potential for criminal activity and fraud.
Researchers
alerted Suprema on Aug.7 just two days after discovering the leak but found the
company “generally very uncooperative.” After numerous attempts, they spoke
with a member of the vendor’s German team who said that “we don’t speak to vpnMentor” and hung
up, according to the blog post. Entreaties to BioStar 2’s GDPR compliance
officer were likewise rebuffed thought the researchers eventually got through
to the company’s French branch and the breach was subsequently closed.
While exposed buckets have become quite
commonplace, the BioStar 2 leak raised alarms. “Unlike usernames and passwords,
biometric information such as fingerprints and facial recognition records
cannot be changed,” said Matan Or-El, co-founder and CEO of Panorays. “And
because Suprema is connected to thousands of organizations across the world,
this compromised data has the power to rattle the entire supply chain.”
The breach is further warning that organizations
must “be vigilant about how they outsource their customer and employee
data and how that data is stored and processed,” he said. “Organizations
need to ensure that their suppliers and business partners are on par with the
organization’s own security standards and continuously uphold their suppliers
to that standard. This should be part of their supplier management process,
including vetting and continuously monitoring these suppliers to take action on
any change in the security.”
