CVE-2016-6540 in TrackR Bravo App
Summary
by MITRE
Unauthenticated access to the cloud-based service maintained by TrackR Bravo is allowed for querying or sending GPS data for any Trackr device by using the tracker ID number which can be discovered as described in CVE-2016-6539. Updated apps, version 5.1.6 for iOS and 2.2.5 for Android, have been released by the vendor to address the vulnerabilities in CVE-2016-6538, CVE-2016-6539, CVE-2016-6540 and CVE-2016-6541.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-6540 represents a critical security flaw in the TrackR Bravo cloud-based tracking service that undermines the fundamental security model of device tracking systems. This issue allows unauthorized access to GPS data and tracking capabilities through simple means that do not require authentication or authorization. The vulnerability stems from the design flaw where the system permits any user to query or send GPS data for any TrackR device by merely knowing the device's tracker ID number, which can be easily discovered through the methods outlined in CVE-2016-6539. This represents a classic case of insufficient access control where the system fails to properly authenticate users or validate their authorization to access specific tracking data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the absence of proper authentication mechanisms within the cloud service API endpoints that handle GPS data transmission and retrieval. The system relies solely on the tracker ID as a means of identifying devices, without implementing any form of user authentication or device ownership verification. This design flaw creates an attack surface where malicious actors can enumerate valid tracker IDs and subsequently access the GPS data of any tracked device, effectively compromising the privacy and security of all users of the service. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-287 which specifically addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers credential harvesting through various means including enumeration and guessing attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privacy concerns to encompass potential physical security risks and data breaches. Any individual who discovers a valid tracker ID can access real-time location data of tracked items, potentially enabling stalking, theft, or other malicious activities targeting the owners of those devices. The vulnerability affects all TrackR Bravo users who have devices registered with the cloud service, creating a widespread security risk that impacts both personal and potentially commercial tracking applications. Organizations using these devices for asset tracking, employee monitoring, or other security purposes face significant exposure since unauthorized parties can access critical location information without any authentication requirements.
The vendor has addressed this vulnerability along with related issues through the release of updated applications in versions 5.1.6 for iOS and 2.2.5 for Android. These updates implement proper authentication mechanisms and access controls to prevent unauthorized access to tracking data. The remediation approach likely involves implementing token-based authentication, requiring user login credentials before accessing device data, and incorporating proper device ownership verification processes. This comprehensive fix addresses not only the immediate issue described in CVE-2016-6540 but also the broader security ecosystem that was exposed through the related vulnerabilities in CVE-2016-6538, CVE-2016-6539, and CVE-2016-6541. The resolution demonstrates the importance of implementing proper authentication and authorization controls in cloud-based IoT services, particularly those handling sensitive location data and personal information, aligning with security best practices outlined in frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001.