CVE-2016-6546 in iTrack Easy Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
The iTrack Easy mobile application stores the account password used to authenticate to the cloud API in base64-encoding in the cache.db file. The base64 encoding format is considered equivalent to cleartext.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6546 represents a critical security flaw in the iTrack Easy mobile application that exposes user authentication credentials through improper data handling practices. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure data storage and weak cryptographic practices, specifically manifesting as a failure to properly protect sensitive authentication information. The application's design flaw allows for the persistent storage of account passwords in a manner that provides no meaningful security protection, creating an exploitable condition that directly compromises user account integrity and system security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's use of base64 encoding as a form of data obfuscation rather than actual encryption. Base64 encoding is a reversible transformation that converts binary data into ASCII characters, but it provides no cryptographic security whatsoever. When the iTrack Easy application stores passwords in the cache.db file using base64 encoding, it essentially maintains the password in a format that can be easily decoded and reconstructed by any attacker with access to the file. This approach directly violates fundamental security principles and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and defense in depth. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and specifically relates to CWE-310 (Cryptographic Issues) as it demonstrates improper handling of sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, creating cascading security risks that can lead to unauthorized access to cloud-based services and potential data breaches. Attackers who gain access to the cache.db file can immediately retrieve user credentials and use them to authenticate to the cloud API without requiring additional exploitation techniques. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the application cache file exists, potentially allowing attackers to maintain access to user accounts for extended periods. The risk is particularly severe given that base64 encoding is commonly used for data transmission and storage, leading many developers to incorrectly assume it provides security protection when it actually does not.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically covering techniques related to credential access and persistence. Adversaries can leverage this weakness as part of a broader attack chain that includes initial access through mobile application compromise and subsequent privilege escalation through credential theft. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 (Credentials In Files) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as it provides attackers with legitimate credentials that can be used to access cloud services. Organizations using this application face significant risk of account takeover, unauthorized data access, and potential compliance violations that could result in regulatory penalties and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exposure and the underlying architectural flaw in the application's credential handling. The most effective solution involves implementing proper cryptographic practices including the use of strong encryption algorithms such as AES-256 for storing sensitive data, combined with secure key management practices. The application should transition from base64 encoding to actual encryption mechanisms that provide meaningful protection against unauthorized access. Additionally, organizations should implement regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and establish proper data classification and handling policies. The implementation of secure coding practices, including input validation and proper error handling, should be enforced throughout the development lifecycle to prevent similar issues from occurring in future versions of the application.