CVE-2013-6798 in BlackBerry Link
Summary
by MITRE
BlackBerry Link before 1.2.1.31 on Windows and before 1.1.1 build 39 on Mac OS X does not properly determine the user account for execution of Peer Manager in certain situations involving successive logins with different accounts, which allows context-dependent attackers to bypass intended restrictions on remote file-access folders via IPv6 WebDAV requests, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-3694.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6798 affects BlackBerry Link software versions prior to 1.2.1.31 on Windows and 1.1.1 build 39 on Mac OS X, representing a critical authorization flaw that undermines the security model of the application. This issue stems from improper user account determination mechanisms within the Peer Manager component, which is responsible for managing file access and synchronization operations between BlackBerry devices and desktop computers. The flaw specifically manifests during scenarios involving multiple successive logins with different user accounts, creating a context-dependent condition that can be exploited by attackers to circumvent intended access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the application's failure to properly validate and maintain user session contexts when switching between different accounts during active sessions. When users log in with one account and subsequently log in with another account without properly terminating the previous session, the Peer Manager component incorrectly retains or reuses authentication state from the first account. This mismanagement occurs particularly when processing IPv6 WebDAV requests that target remote file-access folders, allowing an attacker to leverage the compromised session context to access files and folders that should be restricted to other user accounts. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires specific conditions to be met, making it context-dependent rather than universally exploitable.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it represents a privilege escalation vector that can enable attackers to gain access to sensitive data belonging to other users within the same system environment. This creates a significant risk for organizations where multiple users share the same computer or network resources, particularly in enterprise settings where BlackBerry devices are used for business communications. The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass folder-level restrictions that should normally prevent cross-account access to remote file systems, potentially exposing confidential corporate data, personal information, or proprietary documents that should remain isolated between different user profiles.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as a variant of privilege escalation and access control bypass issues that fall under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms. The attack vector aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting application-level access control bypasses that leverage session management flaws. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected BlackBerry Link installations, as the vulnerability requires minimal prerequisites for exploitation and can be leveraged by attackers with basic network access. The remediation process involves updating to the patched versions mentioned in the CVE description, which should include proper session handling and account validation mechanisms within the Peer Manager component to prevent account switching from creating security context confusion.