CVE-2013-5116 in Evernote
Summary
by MITRE
Evernote prior to 5.5.1 has insecure password change
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-5116 represents a critical weakness in the Evernote desktop application's password change functionality that existed in versions prior to 5.5.1. This issue specifically affects the client-side implementation of password management within the Evernote synchronization service, creating a potential vector for unauthorized access to user accounts. The vulnerability stems from improper validation and handling of password change requests, which could allow attackers to manipulate the authentication flow without proper authorization. Security researchers identified that the application failed to adequately verify the current password before allowing a change to be processed, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the system.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's failure to implement proper session validation during password modification processes. When users attempt to change their passwords through the Evernote client, the software does not adequately authenticate the user's existing credentials before proceeding with the update. This weakness creates a scenario where an attacker who has gained access to a user's session or has knowledge of their current password could potentially bypass the standard authentication requirements. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and affects the integrity of the authentication mechanism, which is fundamental to protecting user data and account security. According to CWE classification, this issue maps to CWE-287 which deals with improper authentication, specifically focusing on the lack of proper authentication checks during password modification operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple account compromise to potentially expose sensitive user data stored within Evernote's ecosystem. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to personal notes, documents, and other confidential information that users store in their Evernote accounts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a core security function that users rely on for protecting their data. The attack surface is broad as it could be exploited through various vectors including session hijacking, credential theft, or social engineering tactics that might allow an attacker to obtain a user's current password. This weakness directly violates security principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the credential access tactic, specifically targeting the modification of credentials as a means of maintaining persistent access to systems.
Organizations and users should immediately update to Evernote version 5.5.1 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as the patch addresses the core authentication flaw by implementing proper validation checks before password changes are processed. The fix ensures that the application requires valid authentication before allowing password modifications to proceed, thereby closing the security gap that existed in previous versions. Additional mitigations include implementing strong password policies, enabling multi-factor authentication where available, and monitoring for unusual account activity that might indicate unauthorized access attempts. Security teams should also consider conducting vulnerability assessments to identify any other applications within their environment that might share similar authentication weaknesses, particularly those that handle sensitive credential information. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper authentication mechanisms in client applications, especially those handling personal data and requiring regular user interaction.