CVE-2017-5250 in Hub App
Summary
by MITRE
In version 1.9.7 and prior of Insteon's Insteon for Hub 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-2017-5250 affects Insteon's Android Hub app version 1.9.7 and earlier, presenting a significant security weakness in the application's authentication mechanism. This flaw resides in how the app handles OAuth token storage, which serves as the primary method for user authorization within the smart home ecosystem. The insecure storage of authentication credentials creates a persistent risk that extends beyond the typical scope of mobile application security, particularly affecting users who rely on the Insteon smart home platform for home automation and security monitoring.
The technical implementation flaw involves the app's failure to utilize proper cryptographic storage mechanisms for OAuth tokens, which are sensitive credentials that grant access to users' smart home devices and systems. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper storage of credentials, and CWE-522, which covers insufficiently protected credentials. The OAuth token storage vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the app's security architecture, as it allows unauthorized parties to potentially access users' smart home accounts and control their connected devices. The insecure storage method likely involves plaintext storage in local application databases or configuration files, making the tokens easily accessible to malicious actors with device access or through application-level exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as compromised OAuth tokens can provide attackers with full access to users' smart home ecosystems. This includes the ability to control lighting, security systems, thermostats, and other connected devices that may contain sensitive personal information or provide physical security access. Attackers could potentially monitor home activities, manipulate security settings, or even gain unauthorized access to connected cameras and sensors. The vulnerability affects the fundamental trust model of the smart home platform, as users expect their authentication credentials to remain secure and protected from unauthorized access, particularly when dealing with home automation systems that may control physical security and environmental controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper cryptographic storage mechanisms for OAuth tokens, including the use of Android's Keystore system or similar secure storage APIs that provide hardware-level encryption for sensitive data. The application should implement secure credential management practices that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Mobile Security Project and NIST guidelines for mobile application security. Additionally, developers should consider implementing token rotation mechanisms and secure session management to minimize the impact of any potential compromise. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that credential storage mechanisms remain robust against evolving threats, while also implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to the application's authentication components.