Exposing Vulnerabilities: Hackmosphere Penetration Test at ExCorp Furniture Store

In a recent penetration test conducted by Hackmosphere, a cybersecurity firm, significant flaws were uncovered in both the physical and network security infrastructures of ExCorp, a furniture store. The test revealed the alarming ease with which attackers could gain unauthorized access to the company’s internal systems through neglected physical security measures and insecure network protocols. This case study serves as a stark reminder for businesses of all sizes to integrate robust security solutions that span both digital and physical domains.

Key Findings from the Penetration Test

Hackmosphere’s penetration test at ExCorp’s furniture store highlighted two critical vulnerabilities:

1. Unattended Terminals and USB Exploits

The testers found that sales terminals in public areas were regularly left unlocked and unattended. This oversight allowed for easy access to the company’s internal network. Furthermore, the fully functional USB ports on these devices were exploited by the testers, who connected a “Rubber Ducky” USB device that mimicked a keyboard and executed malicious code. This simple technique granted them control of an unprivileged user account within ExCorp’s domain.

2. Bypassing Network Security with LanTurtle

Exploiting a momentary lapse in staff vigilance, the testers used a LanTurtle device, which they discreetly connected between a public computer and the network switch. This small device, pre-configured to initiate an SSH connection over TLS, circumvented the store’s firewall on port 443, providing direct access to ExCorp’s internal network. The ease with which this was accomplished demonstrated critical weaknesses in the company’s network access controls.

3. Exploiting Physical Security Gaps

In addition to network vulnerabilities, the testers identified significant flaws in physical security. Using publicly available evacuation plans, they located the manager’s office and accessed restricted areas by exploiting a malfunctioning badge-protected door. Posing as fire hydrant inspectors, they were able to move through employee-only spaces and gain access to sensitive areas without being challenged by staff.

What Undercode Say:

The findings from Hackmosphere’s test should be a wake-up call for organizations across various industries, especially those with customer-facing operations and physical infrastructure. Digital security measures are essential, but they must be complemented by physical security protocols that are just as stringent.

While cyberattacks on networks are increasingly common, physical security often remains an afterthought, leaving organizations vulnerable to simple attacks that can bypass firewalls and encryption with little effort. For instance, the exploitation of unattended terminals demonstrates how a common oversight—leaving computers unlocked in public spaces—can open the door to devastating breaches. The vulnerability created by functional USB ports on these machines only makes matters worse, offering attackers an easy method to inject malicious code.

Even more concerning is the LanTurtle device’s ability to bypass network firewalls by exploiting a moment of staff inattention. This device, which could easily be concealed, provides attackers with the ability to remotely access internal systems from an external location. The test highlights how inadequate network access controls and the lack of monitoring can make it easier for attackers to gain footholds in a company’s internal systems, regardless of firewalls or encryption measures.

Additionally, the physical access vulnerabilities exposed by the penetration test underscore how crucial it is for companies to secure all entry points—both physical and virtual. The fact that the testers could navigate unchallenged through employee-only spaces and access restricted areas with little resistance reflects a serious lapse in security culture.

It’s clear that for organizations to stay ahead of evolving threats, security strategies need to be comprehensive. A multi-layered approach to security—one that accounts for both physical and network vulnerabilities—is essential. Businesses must train their staff to be vigilant, ensure that all devices are properly secured, and adopt stronger access control systems that make it difficult for intruders to bypass security.

Fact Checker Results:

Unattended Terminals: Leaving devices unlocked in public-facing areas poses a significant security risk. Hackmosphere’s findings are consistent with industry best practices, which emphasize the need for automatic locking mechanisms.
USB Exploits: USB ports on public-facing terminals should be disabled to prevent malicious code injection. This recommendation is aligned with widely accepted cybersecurity protocols.
Physical Access Gaps: The use of physical security measures such as badge-protected doors and monitoring of sensitive areas is a critical recommendation in any comprehensive security strategy.

References:

Reported By: https://cyberpress.org/physical-penetration-testing-a-case-study/
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