CVE-2015-1453 in FortiClient
Summary
by MITRE
The qm class in Fortinet FortiClient 5.2.3.091 for Android uses a hardcoded encryption key of FoRtInEt!AnDrOiD, which makes it easier for attackers to obtain passwords and possibly other sensitive data by leveraging the key to decrypt data in the Shared Preferences.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1453 resides within the qm class implementation of Fortinet FortiClient version 5.2.3.091 for Android operating systems. This security flaw represents a critical weakness in the application's cryptographic implementation where a hardcoded encryption key is embedded within the software code. The specific key value "FoRtInEt!AnDrOiD" serves as the cryptographic foundation for encrypting sensitive data stored within the application's Shared Preferences storage mechanism. This design choice fundamentally undermines the security posture of the mobile application by eliminating the dynamic generation of cryptographic keys that would normally provide the necessary entropy and unpredictability required for effective data protection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the predictable nature of the hardcoded key, which allows attackers to reverse-engineer the application's binary code and extract the encryption key through static analysis techniques. Once obtained, this key enables unauthorized parties to decrypt sensitive information stored in the application's Shared Preferences, including but not limited to user credentials, authentication tokens, and other confidential data that the application processes. The weakness directly aligns with CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak or predictable cryptographic keys, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that mandate the use of strong, randomly generated keys for cryptographic operations. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically affects the mobile platform's data persistence mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in environments where mobile devices may be compromised or lost.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it potentially exposes users to broader security risks including identity theft, unauthorized access to corporate networks, and data breaches. Attackers who successfully extract the hardcoded key can leverage it to access multiple sessions and potentially impersonate legitimate users within the FortiClient environment. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad by allowing unauthorized data disclosure, and it may also compromise integrity if attackers can modify the decrypted data. This weakness creates a pathway for adversaries to perform advanced persistent threats against organizations that rely on FortiClient for mobile security management, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile device management solutions are critical for network security. The attack surface is further expanded through potential use of techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1552 category for credential access and T1059 for execution through mobile applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation efforts including the replacement of the hardcoded encryption key with a dynamically generated secure key, implementation of proper key derivation functions, and adherence to established cryptographic best practices. Organizations should implement a comprehensive mobile security policy that includes regular security assessments of mobile applications, enforcement of secure coding standards, and deployment of runtime application self-protection mechanisms. The fix must ensure that cryptographic keys are generated using cryptographically secure random number generators and are properly managed through secure key management systems. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar hardcoded cryptographic elements in other mobile applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following industry standards such as NIST SP 800-38B for cryptographic key management and the OWASP Mobile Security Project guidelines for secure mobile application development to prevent similar weaknesses in future implementations.