CVE-2012-3885 in AirDroid
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of AirDroid 1.0.4 beta uses a four-character alphanumeric password, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via a brute-force attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2019
The vulnerability identified in AirDroid version 1.0.4 beta represents a critical security weakness in the application's default configuration that significantly undermines its authentication security model. This issue stems from the application's use of a four-character alphanumeric password as the default access credential, a configuration that fundamentally violates modern security best practices for access control mechanisms. The implementation lacks sufficient entropy to provide meaningful protection against automated attack vectors, creating a substantial entry point for malicious actors seeking unauthorized system access.
The technical flaw manifests in the password strength configuration where the default authentication mechanism employs only four alphanumeric characters, providing a limited password space of approximately 167,961,600 possible combinations. This weakness enables remote attackers to conduct successful brute-force attacks within a reasonable timeframe, as the search space is insufficient to resist systematic credential guessing attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-521 Weak Password Requirements, specifically addressing the inadequate password strength criteria that fail to meet minimum security thresholds for authentication systems. The configuration error represents a fundamental failure in secure configuration management practices that should be addressed through proper default security settings.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise. Remote attackers can systematically test password combinations using automated tools, potentially gaining complete control over the device or system. This vulnerability particularly affects mobile device management scenarios where AirDroid is used for remote device control, as the weak default credentials provide an easy pathway for attackers to establish persistent access. The risk is amplified in environments where the application is deployed without subsequent password strength enforcement, leaving systems exposed to immediate exploitation.
Effective mitigation strategies must address both the immediate configuration issue and establish long-term security practices for the application. Organizations should immediately implement mandatory password strength policies that enforce minimum character requirements of at least eight characters with mixed character sets including uppercase, lowercase, numeric, and special characters. The application should be configured to require explicit password changes upon first use, with enforcement mechanisms that prevent the use of weak default credentials. Security controls should include account lockout mechanisms after failed authentication attempts and monitoring for suspicious access patterns. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure default configurations and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110.003 for Brute Force: Password Guessing, emphasizing the need for robust authentication controls to prevent credential-based attacks.