CVE-2017-5249 in Smart Home App
Summary
by MITRE
In version 6.1.0.19 and prior of Wink Labs's Wink - Smart Home Android app, the OAuth token used by the app to authorize user access is not stored in an encrypted and secure manner.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5249 affects the Wink Smart Home Android application version 6.1.0.19 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in how the application handles authentication credentials. This issue resides within the mobile application's credential storage mechanisms, specifically targeting the OAuth token management process that governs user access to smart home devices. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure application design where sensitive authentication data is not properly protected during storage operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper credential handling practices within the Android application's secure storage framework. OAuth tokens serve as the primary means of authenticating users to the Wink smart home ecosystem, granting access to various connected devices and services. When these tokens are stored without adequate encryption mechanisms, they become susceptible to unauthorized access through multiple attack vectors including direct file system access, memory dumps, or application-level exploitation techniques. The vulnerability essentially creates a persistent security weakness that allows attackers to obtain valid authentication tokens without requiring additional credentials or complex exploitation methods.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to users of the Wink smart home platform, as compromised OAuth tokens can provide attackers with complete access to connected smart home devices and services. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential data breaches, device manipulation, and privacy violations. Attackers could potentially control lighting systems, security cameras, door locks, and other connected devices, creating scenarios where personal safety and property security are compromised. The vulnerability also represents a violation of security best practices outlined in industry standards such as the CWE-312 category for "Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for "Unsecured Credentials" in credential access phases.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass multiple layers of protection including immediate implementation of encrypted credential storage using Android's Keystore system, proper implementation of secure key management practices, and comprehensive code review processes to identify similar issues throughout the application. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify potential credential storage weaknesses. Additionally, users should be advised to regularly review their account activity and revoke access tokens when suspicious behavior is detected. The remediation process requires careful attention to ensure that all credential storage mechanisms within the application are properly encrypted and that the application follows established security frameworks such as those recommended by NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management and secure storage practices.