CVE-2018-13446 in jp.naver.line
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** An issue was discovered in the LINE jp.naver.line application 8.8.1 for Android. The Passcode feature allows authentication bypass via runtime manipulation that forces a certain method's return value to true. In other words, an attacker could authenticate with an arbitrary passcode. NOTE: the vendor indicates that this is not an attack of interest within the context of their threat model, which excludes Android devices on which rooting has occurred.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13446 represents a critical security flaw in the LINE messaging application version 8.8.1 for Android platforms. This issue specifically targets the application's passcode authentication mechanism, which is designed to provide an additional layer of security for user accounts. The vulnerability stems from improper implementation of the passcode verification process, creating a pathway for unauthorized access that fundamentally undermines the application's security model. The flaw demonstrates a classic example of insufficient input validation and weak authentication controls that can be exploited through runtime manipulation techniques.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves manipulating the application's runtime behavior to force specific authentication methods to return true values regardless of the actual passcode entered. This type of attack leverages dynamic binary instrumentation and runtime modification capabilities that allow attackers to intercept and alter program execution flow. The vulnerability specifically affects the passcode verification logic where the application's internal methods responsible for validating user-entered passcodes can be manipulated to always return successful authentication results. This manipulation typically occurs through tools that can hook into the application's memory space and modify function return values, effectively bypassing the intended security controls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically targeting improper authorization mechanisms within mobile applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for users who rely on the passcode feature for account protection, as it completely eliminates the security benefits of this authentication mechanism. An attacker with the ability to manipulate the application runtime can gain unauthorized access to any user's account by simply entering any passcode, effectively neutralizing the application's built-in security controls. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by malicious actors with sufficient technical knowledge to perform runtime manipulation attacks. The implications extend beyond individual user accounts to potentially compromise sensitive communications and personal data stored within the LINE application. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that LINE is a widely used messaging platform with extensive user bases and sensitive communication patterns.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a sophisticated attack vector that requires understanding of Android application internals and runtime manipulation techniques. The vendor's stance that this is not considered an attack of interest within their threat model is concerning, as it suggests that the security community may be overlooking legitimate threats that could affect users who have rooted their devices or have access to advanced exploitation tools. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing robust authentication mechanisms that cannot be easily bypassed through runtime manipulation and highlights the need for proper input validation and secure coding practices. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it involves manipulating application execution through runtime modification techniques. Organizations should consider implementing additional security measures such as application integrity checks, runtime application protection, and monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.