CVE-2007-5460 in ActiveSync
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft ActiveSync 4.1, as used in Windows Mobile 5.0, uses weak encryption (XOR obfuscation with a fixed key) when sending the user s PIN/Password over the USB connection from the host to the device, which might make it easier for attackers to decode a PIN/Password obtained by (1) sniffing or (2) spoofing the docking process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2018
Microsoft ActiveSync 4.1 implementation in Windows Mobile 5.0 presents a significant cryptographic vulnerability through its use of weak XOR obfuscation with a fixed key for protecting PIN/password transmission over USB connections. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that directly violates fundamental principles of secure communication protocols and data protection mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from the implementation of a simplistic encryption scheme that offers no real cryptographic protection, making it trivial for attackers to reverse engineer transmitted credentials. The weakness is particularly concerning because it operates at the transport layer of communication between host systems and mobile devices, creating an attack surface that can be exploited through multiple vectors including network sniffing and man-in-the-middle spoofing attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of established security standards and best practices for cryptographic implementation. The fixed key XOR encryption approach falls squarely within CWE-327, which specifically addresses the use of weak or broken cryptographic algorithms. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to intercept USB communication streams and decode authentication credentials without requiring sophisticated cryptanalysis techniques. The fixed nature of the XOR key means that once an attacker captures a single transmission, they can immediately apply the same obfuscation pattern to decode other intercepted communications. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers "Unsecured Credentials" through the exploitation of weak encryption mechanisms in communication protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader security compromise scenarios for mobile device users. When attackers successfully intercept USB communications, they gain access to authentication credentials that can be used to authenticate to the device itself, potentially enabling further attacks including device unlocking, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the mobile environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise contexts where mobile devices contain sensitive corporate data and may be used for accessing restricted networks. The attack vectors available to exploit this weakness include passive network monitoring during USB docking sessions, active spoofing of the docking process to intercept traffic, and the ability to reuse captured credentials across multiple sessions due to the deterministic nature of the XOR encryption. This creates a persistent threat that can be leveraged repeatedly without requiring additional reconnaissance or complex attack preparation phases.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exposure and the underlying architectural weakness in the encryption implementation. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to newer versions of ActiveSync that implement proper cryptographic protocols with strong encryption algorithms and dynamic key generation. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect anomalous USB communication patterns and establish secure docking procedures that minimize exposure windows. The remediation approach should include disabling USB debugging features when not required, implementing device authentication mechanisms that do not rely solely on weakly encrypted credentials, and establishing secure communication policies that prevent the transmission of sensitive information over untrusted USB connections. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that mobile device communication protocols are using industry-standard encryption mechanisms that comply with current security frameworks and prevent similar implementations of weak cryptographic practices from reoccurring in future deployments.