CVE-2007-0859 in Treo
Summary
by MITRE
The Find feature in Palm OS Treo smart phones operates despite the system password lock, which allows attackers with physical access to obtain sensitive information (memory contents) by doing (1) text searches or (2) paste operations after pressing certain keyboard shortcut keys.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0859 represents a critical security flaw in Palm OS Treo smartphones that fundamentally undermines the device's access control mechanisms. This weakness specifically targets the Find feature implementation within the operating system, creating a persistent backdoor that bypasses the intended system password protection. The vulnerability exists at the kernel level of the Palm OS implementation, where the security boundaries between user interface operations and system-level access controls have been improperly enforced. The flaw demonstrates a classic failure in access control enforcement where legitimate system functions are not adequately protected by the authentication mechanisms that should govern their usage.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that leverage the device's keyboard shortcut functionality. Attackers with physical possession of a locked Palm OS Treo device can bypass the password protection by initiating text search operations or performing paste operations through specific keyboard combinations. These operations trigger code paths within the operating system that do not properly verify the authentication state of the device, allowing unauthorized access to memory contents and sensitive data. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper authentication checks in the Find feature implementation, which should have required valid user credentials before executing memory search or paste operations. This represents a failure in the principle of least privilege where system features that could expose sensitive information operate without proper authorization verification.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-0859 extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass complete compromise of device security when physical access is obtained. An attacker with physical possession of a locked device can extract sensitive information including personal data, contacts, emails, and potentially confidential business information stored in the device's memory. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates silently and without user notification, making it extremely difficult to detect. The attack requires minimal technical expertise and can be executed through simple keyboard shortcuts, making it accessible to attackers with basic knowledge of the device's interface. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and specifically demonstrates weak enforcement of access control mechanisms in mobile operating systems. The impact is consistent with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers credentials in files, as attackers can extract sensitive information without needing to bypass more complex authentication mechanisms.
The security implications of this vulnerability are significant for organizations and individuals who rely on Palm OS Treo devices for sensitive communications and data storage. The flaw creates a persistent risk where any device with a password lock can be compromised by an attacker who gains physical access, regardless of the strength of the password or the security measures in place. This vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing of all system features, particularly those that provide access to memory or data operations. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as a prime example of why mobile device security policies must address physical access controls and why simple password protection is insufficient against determined attackers. The remediation requires either a complete redesign of the Find feature with proper authentication checks or a system-level patch that enforces access control boundaries between user interface operations and memory access functions. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the need for security by design principles in mobile operating systems and the importance of implementing robust access control mechanisms that cannot be bypassed through simple interface interactions.