CVE-2018-0584 in IIJ SmartKey App
Summary
by MITRE
IIJ SmartKey App for Android version 2.1.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass authentication [effect_of_bypassing_authentication] via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2020
The IIJ SmartKey App for Android vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0584 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw that affects versions 2.1.0 and earlier of the mobile application. This vulnerability resides within the application's security architecture and creates a pathway for remote attackers to circumvent the intended authentication mechanisms without proper credentials or authorization. The unspecified vectors suggest that the flaw may manifest through multiple attack surfaces within the application's codebase or network communication protocols, making it particularly concerning for security professionals who must account for various potential exploitation methods.
The technical nature of this authentication bypass vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication scenarios in software systems. This weakness specifically targets the application's ability to verify user identities and validate access requests, potentially allowing unauthorized individuals to gain access to protected resources or functionality within the SmartKey application. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the device or network position within the local network, significantly expanding the attack surface and making the flaw more dangerous in real-world scenarios.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations relying on the IIJ SmartKey application for security operations. The authentication bypass could enable attackers to access sensitive data, perform unauthorized transactions, or manipulate application functions that should be restricted to authenticated users only. This compromise directly affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the security services provided by the SmartKey application, potentially leading to broader security incidents within the affected organization's infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack vector means that threat actors can exploit this weakness from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical presence or network infiltration.
The security implications extend beyond immediate unauthorized access to encompass potential lateral movement within networks and escalation of privileges. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability may use the compromised application as a foothold for further attacks against connected systems, making the impact of this single vulnerability potentially exponential. Organizations using the affected SmartKey application versions should consider implementing immediate mitigations including application updates, network segmentation, and enhanced monitoring of authentication-related activities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and patch management processes, as it demonstrates how seemingly minor authentication flaws can create significant security risks in mobile applications.
Security professionals should reference the ATT&CK framework's credential access techniques when analyzing this vulnerability, as the authentication bypass directly relates to methods such as legitimate credentials and password reuse. The vulnerability's classification as a remote authentication bypass also aligns with common attack patterns documented in various threat intelligence reports, particularly those focusing on mobile application security weaknesses. Organizations should prioritize updating to the patched versions of the IIJ SmartKey application while implementing additional security controls including network access controls, application whitelisting, and continuous monitoring for suspicious authentication attempts or unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.