CVE-2015-1598 in SPCanywhere
Summary
by MITRE
The Siemens SPCanywhere application for Android does not properly store application passwords, which allows physically proximate attackers to obtain sensitive information by examining the device filesystem.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2022
The Siemens SPCanywhere Android application presents a critical security flaw in its credential storage mechanism that exposes user authentication data to unauthorized access. This vulnerability specifically affects the application's handling of password storage within the Android operating system environment, creating a significant risk for users who rely on the application for industrial control system access. The flaw resides in the application's failure to implement proper cryptographic protection for stored credentials, leaving sensitive authentication information vulnerable to extraction through direct filesystem examination.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's insecure storage practices that violate fundamental security principles for credential management. Rather than utilizing Android's secure credential storage mechanisms such as the Keystore system or encrypted shared preferences, the SPCanywhere application stores passwords in plaintext or using weak encryption methods that can be readily accessed by attackers with physical device access. This approach directly contravenes established security guidelines and industry standards for mobile application development, particularly those related to credential protection and data confidentiality. The vulnerability represents a classic case of inadequate data protection that falls under the CWE category of weak cryptographic storage mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with direct access to industrial control system interfaces that may contain sensitive operational data and control functions. Physically proximate attackers who gain access to a device running the vulnerable application can immediately extract stored passwords and potentially gain unauthorized access to industrial processes, creating significant risks for critical infrastructure environments. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise and can be executed by anyone with physical access to the target device, making it a high-impact threat for organizations deploying Siemens SPCanywhere in industrial settings. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for "Credentials In Files" and demonstrates the importance of proper credential handling in mobile applications.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies that include disabling the vulnerable application on affected devices, implementing additional authentication layers such as multi-factor authentication, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of all mobile applications used in industrial environments. The recommended approach involves enforcing secure coding practices that utilize Android's built-in secure credential storage mechanisms, implementing proper encryption for any locally stored credentials, and establishing strict access controls for devices running industrial applications. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing device management policies that restrict application installation and monitor for unauthorized credential storage practices. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar insecure storage patterns in other applications and ensure compliance with security standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001.