CVE-2018-13435 in jp.naver.line
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** An issue was discovered in the LINE jp.naver.line application 8.8.0 for iOS. The Passcode feature allows authentication bypass via runtime manipulation that forces a certain method to disable passcode authentication. NOTE: the vendor indicates that this is not an attack of interest within the context of their threat model, which excludes iOS devices on which a jailbreak has occurred.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13435 represents a critical security flaw in the LINE mobile application for iOS devices, specifically affecting version 8.8.0. This issue resides within the application's passcode authentication mechanism, which is designed to protect user data and privacy through device-level authentication. The vulnerability stems from improper implementation of the passcode verification process, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass authentication controls through runtime manipulation techniques. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the application's security architecture where the passcode feature can be programmatically disabled during application execution, effectively nullifying the intended security protection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves runtime manipulation of the application's memory space and execution flow to force specific methods that disable passcode authentication. Attackers can leverage this technique to manipulate the application's internal state, potentially through memory patching or dynamic code injection methods that target the authentication subsystem. This type of attack falls under the category of runtime application manipulation and represents a sophisticated approach to bypassing mobile application security controls. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-692, which addresses incomplete mediation issues where security checks are bypassed through manipulation of the application's execution environment. The attack vector specifically targets the application's integrity controls and demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and security enforcement at runtime.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially compromise sensitive user communications, personal information, and private conversations stored within the LINE application. Mobile applications like LINE handle vast amounts of personal data including messages, photos, contact information, and location data, making such authentication bypasses particularly dangerous. The vulnerability creates a persistent security risk where attackers can maintain access to user accounts without proper authentication, potentially enabling long-term surveillance or data exfiltration activities. This issue represents a significant concern for enterprise security as mobile applications often serve as primary communication channels for business users, and the compromise of such applications can lead to broader security incidents. The threat model implications suggest that while the vendor considers this a low-risk issue for non-jailbroken devices, the potential for exploitation through advanced persistent threats remains a valid concern.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on strengthening the application's runtime security controls and implementing robust anti-tampering mechanisms. Developers should employ code obfuscation techniques, integrity checks, and runtime application self-protection measures to prevent unauthorized manipulation of authentication flows. The implementation of secure coding practices that prevent bypass of security controls through runtime modification represents a fundamental requirement for mobile application security. Security professionals should also consider implementing behavioral analysis and anomaly detection systems that can identify suspicious runtime manipulation activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following industry security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Mobile Security Project, which emphasizes the need for proper authentication implementation and protection against runtime manipulation attacks. Additionally, regular security testing including dynamic analysis and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in mobile applications and ensure that security controls remain effective against evolving attack techniques.