CVE-2017-10709 in P9000
Summary
by MITRE
The lockscreen on Elephone P9000 devices (running Android 6.0) allows physically proximate attackers to bypass a wrong-PIN lockout feature by pressing backspace after each PIN guess.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10709 represents a critical security flaw in the lockscreen implementation of Elephone P9000 smartphones running Android 6.0 operating system. This weakness specifically targets the device's authentication mechanism, creating a significant bypass opportunity for attackers who can physically access the device. The vulnerability exploits the interaction between the user interface elements and the underlying authentication logic, fundamentally undermining the security posture of the device's lockscreen protection.
The technical flaw manifests in the PIN entry validation process where the device fails to properly implement rate limiting or input validation mechanisms. When attackers input incorrect PINs, the system should enforce a lockout period to prevent brute force attacks. However, the vulnerability allows attackers to circumvent this protection by strategically pressing the backspace key after each failed PIN attempt. This action effectively resets the input buffer without triggering the intended lockout mechanism, enabling unlimited PIN guessing attempts. The flaw stems from inadequate state management within the lockscreen component, where the system does not properly track failed authentication attempts or maintain consistent session states during the PIN entry process. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and improper error handling, aligning with CWE-307 which addresses inadequate account lockout mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with a reliable method to bypass device security controls without requiring sophisticated tools or network connectivity. Physically proximate attackers can systematically determine the correct PIN through repeated guessing attempts, potentially gaining access to sensitive personal data, financial information, and communication records stored on the device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates silently without generating any security alerts or notifications, making it difficult for users to detect unauthorized access attempts. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK technique T1547.001 which covers registry run keys and startup folder, as the lockscreen bypass could potentially enable further malicious activities once initial access is achieved. The vulnerability's exploitability is high due to its reliance on simple physical access and basic user interface interactions, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust authentication state management and proper input validation within the lockscreen component. Device manufacturers should ensure that each failed PIN attempt properly increments the authentication failure counter and enforces appropriate lockout periods regardless of user interface interactions such as backspace key presses. The solution requires updating the device's firmware to correct the state management logic and implement proper session handling that maintains consistent authentication states throughout the PIN entry process. Security patches should address the underlying code that handles authentication feedback and ensure that user interface actions cannot interfere with the security mechanisms. Additionally, implementing a more sophisticated lockout algorithm that considers both the number of failed attempts and the time between attempts would provide enhanced protection against this type of attack. Organizations should also consider implementing device management policies that enforce regular security updates and monitor for similar vulnerabilities in their mobile device fleets. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive security testing during device development and highlights the need for proper implementation of authentication mechanisms that cannot be easily bypassed through simple user interface manipulation techniques.