CVE-2017-4942 in AirWatch Console
Summary
by MITRE
VMware AirWatch Console (AWC) contains a Broken Access Control vulnerability. Successful exploitation of this issue could result in end-user device details being disclosed to an unauthorized administrator.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-4942 affects VMware AirWatch Console, a comprehensive mobile device management platform that enables organizations to manage and secure enterprise mobile devices. This particular flaw represents a critical breakdown in the access control mechanisms that should protect sensitive user device information within the AirWatch environment. The vulnerability exists within the console's authorization framework, specifically in how it handles privilege validation and access restrictions for administrative users.
This broken access control vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user permissions when accessing device details within the AirWatch Console interface. The flaw allows an attacker with administrative privileges to bypass normal access controls and retrieve confidential information about end-user devices that should only be accessible to authorized personnel with specific clearance levels. The technical implementation fails to properly enforce role-based access controls, creating a pathway for unauthorized data exposure through the administrative console's user interface components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the device management system's security model. An attacker could potentially access sensitive device data including device identifiers, configuration settings, installed applications, and other personal information stored within the AirWatch environment. This exposure creates significant risk for organizations that rely on AirWatch for managing corporate mobile devices, as it undermines the trust model that should protect employee privacy and corporate data. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations with strict compliance requirements where unauthorized access to device information could lead to regulatory violations and security breaches.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including thorough access control reviews and privilege validation enforcement within the AirWatch Console environment. The recommended approach involves implementing proper role-based access control mechanisms and ensuring that administrative users can only access device information within their authorized scope. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of administrative accounts and their associated permissions, while also applying vendor-provided security patches and updates as soon as they become available. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in access control systems, and represents a significant concern for organizations following ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and credential access tactics. The flaw demonstrates how inadequate access control implementation can create persistent security risks that undermine the entire device management infrastructure's security posture.