CVE-2015-7732 in Mobile Security
Summary
by MITRE
The Avira Mobile Security app before 1.5.11 for iOS sends sensitive login information in cleartext.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7732 affects the Avira Mobile Security application for iOS devices, specifically versions prior to 1.5.11. This represents a critical security flaw in mobile application security practices where sensitive authentication data is transmitted without proper encryption mechanisms. The issue manifests when users enter their login credentials into the application, which are then sent over network connections in an unencrypted format. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of user authentication data, potentially exposing users to man-in-the-middle attacks and credential theft. The flaw demonstrates poor implementation of secure communication protocols within a security application that should be protecting users from such threats.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be classified under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of data. The flaw occurs at the network communication layer where the application fails to implement proper encryption for sensitive data transmission. When users input their login credentials, the application does not utilize secure communication protocols such as TLS or SSL to encrypt the data before transmission. This creates an attack surface where network traffic can be intercepted by malicious actors with access to the network infrastructure. The vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security principles that mobile security applications should enforce, creating a paradox where a security tool becomes a vector for credential compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual user accounts to potentially affect organizational security postures when employees use corporate devices or applications. Attackers can exploit this weakness to capture authentication tokens, usernames, and passwords during network transmission, enabling unauthorized access to various systems and services. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where mobile devices handle sensitive corporate data or access critical infrastructure. The risk is compounded because the application in question is designed to protect users from mobile threats, making the exposure of its own communication vulnerabilities more severe from a trust and security perspective. From an attack framework standpoint, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under MITRE ATT&CK framework category T1071 for application layer protocol usage, specifically targeting credential access through network interception.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application updates to version 1.5.11 or later, which should implement proper encryption for all sensitive data transmission. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of mobile applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in their mobile security toolsets. Network administrators should implement additional monitoring for unusual authentication traffic patterns and consider deploying network segmentation to limit the impact of potential credential compromise. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper implementation of cryptographic protocols within mobile applications. Regular security testing and code reviews should be mandatory for all mobile applications handling sensitive data, particularly those in the security and enterprise mobility management space. Organizations should also implement multi-factor authentication mechanisms as compensating controls to reduce the risk of credential compromise even if such vulnerabilities exist in mobile applications.