CVE-2013-6986 in Subway Ordering For California
Summary
by MITRE
The ZippyYum Subway CA Kiosk app 3.4 for iOS uses cleartext storage in SQLite cache databases, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading data elements, as demonstrated by password elements.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6986 represents a critical security flaw in the ZippyYum Subway CA Kiosk application version 3.4 for iOS platforms. This issue stems from the application's improper handling of sensitive data storage mechanisms, specifically utilizing cleartext storage within SQLite cache databases. The flaw exposes user credentials and other confidential information through straightforward data extraction techniques, demonstrating a fundamental failure in data protection practices. The vulnerability affects mobile applications that store user authentication credentials and personal information in an unencrypted format, creating an attack surface that adversaries can readily exploit.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's database design and storage architecture where sensitive information such as passwords and user credentials are stored without encryption. The SQLite database files are created with plaintext storage, meaning that all data elements including authentication tokens, user identifiers, and potentially personal information remain visible and accessible to anyone with read access to the application's data directory. This approach violates established security principles and best practices for mobile application development. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-312, which describes the weakness of "Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for "Unsecured Credentials" in its exploitation methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive access to user account information and potentially sensitive transaction data. An attacker with local access to the device can easily extract the SQLite database files and directly read stored credentials without requiring additional decryption or cracking efforts. This creates a significant risk for users who rely on the kiosk application for transactions and account management, as their personal information becomes immediately accessible. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in kiosk environments where physical access to devices may be more prevalent, and where users might not be aware of the security implications of their data being stored in plaintext format.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper encryption mechanisms for all sensitive data storage within mobile applications. Developers should implement database-level encryption using strong cryptographic algorithms such as AES-256 to protect stored credentials and personal information. The application architecture must be redesigned to ensure that all authentication tokens, passwords, and sensitive user data are encrypted before being written to the database. Additionally, proper key management practices should be implemented to protect encryption keys from unauthorized access. Security reviews and code audits should be conducted to identify all data storage locations that might contain sensitive information, and appropriate encryption should be applied to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future releases. The implementation of these measures would align with mobile security frameworks such as Apple's Security Programming Guide and industry standards like NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management.