CVE-2012-2567 in MobileTrack
Summary
by MITRE
The Xelex MobileTrack application 2.3.7 and earlier for Android uses hardcoded credentials, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an unencrypted (1) FTP or (2) HTTP session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2567 represents a critical security flaw in the Xelex MobileTrack application version 2.3.7 and earlier for Android platforms. This issue stems from the application's improper handling of authentication credentials, specifically through the use of hardcoded login information within the application code. The flaw creates a persistent security risk that extends beyond the typical boundaries of application-level vulnerabilities, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the authentication mechanism itself. The presence of hardcoded credentials in mobile applications constitutes a significant deviation from secure coding practices and represents a direct violation of security best practices established by industry standards such as the OWASP Mobile Security Project and NIST guidelines for mobile application security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the embedding of static username and password credentials directly within the application's source code or configuration files, making them accessible to anyone who can inspect the application's binary or decompile its components. This approach completely eliminates the possibility of dynamic credential management and creates a scenario where a single set of credentials can be exploited across multiple installations. The vulnerability specifically affects unencrypted communication channels including both FTP and HTTP protocols, which means that even if a user might attempt to establish a secure connection, the application's hardcoded nature ensures that credentials are transmitted in plaintext without any form of encryption or obfuscation. This exposure occurs at the network level and demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of secure communication principles that aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded credentials in software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond the immediate compromise of individual application instances, creating potential for widespread unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any form of user interaction or specialized tools, as the credentials are readily available within the application's code structure. The implications are particularly severe for mobile applications that may be used in enterprise environments or by organizations handling sensitive information, as the hardcoded credentials could provide attackers with persistent access to critical systems and data repositories. This vulnerability directly enables various attack vectors outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 credential access category, where adversaries can leverage valid credentials to gain access to systems and data without detection. The unencrypted nature of the FTP and HTTP sessions further compounds the risk, as network traffic interception becomes trivial for attackers with access to network monitoring tools or those operating in man-in-the-middle positions.
Organizations and developers should implement immediate remediation measures to address this vulnerability, including the complete removal of hardcoded credentials and the implementation of proper dynamic credential management systems. The recommended approach involves establishing secure authentication mechanisms that utilize encrypted credential storage, dynamic credential retrieval from secure servers, and the implementation of proper key management practices. This remediation process should align with security standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001, which emphasize the importance of secure credential handling and the elimination of hardcoded security parameters. Additionally, developers should implement secure coding practices that include regular security code reviews, static and dynamic analysis tools, and the adoption of secure development lifecycle methodologies to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future releases. The vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper authentication design in mobile applications and the critical need for developers to understand and implement secure credential management practices that protect against persistent threats and unauthorized access scenarios.