BioTime: Use of Default Password
CVE-2024-13966 is a high-severity use of default password vulnerability in BioTime from ZkTeco, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.3 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.42% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of BioTime you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on zkteco.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- LowSome restricted data can be read.
- Integrity
- LowLimited modification of data is possible.
- Availability
- LowPerformance or availability is reduced.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L. Scored by CNA.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 6.9 | Medium | CNA |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.3 | High | CNA |
Official description
ZKTeco BioTime allows unauthenticated attackers to enumerate usernames and log in as any user with a password unchanged from the default value '123456'. Users should change their passwords (located under the Attendance Settings tab as "Self-Password").
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Use of Default Password
The product uses default passwords for potentially critical functionality.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Prohibit use of default, hard-coded, or other values that do not vary for each installation of the product - especially for separate organizations.
- Ensure that product documentation clearly emphasizes the presence of default passwords and provides steps for the administrator to change them.
- Force the administrator to change the credential upon installation.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- krashconsulting.com/fury-of-fingers-biotime-rce/Third Party Advisory
- raw.githubusercontent.com/cisagov/CSAF/develop/csaf_files/IT/white/2025/va-25-148-01.jsonThird Party Advisory
- cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2024-13966Third Party Advisory
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in BioTime
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
ZKTeco BioTime Path Traversal Exploited
Recent Use of Default Password vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 9.3 Critical severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
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