CVE-2018-17499 in Envoy Passport
Summary
by MITRE
Envoy Passport for Android and Envoy Passport for iPhone could allow a local attacker to obtain sensitive information, caused by the storing of unencrypted data in logs. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to obtain two API keys, a token and other sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17499 affects Envoy Passport applications for both Android and iOS platforms, representing a critical security flaw in how sensitive data is handled within mobile applications. This issue stems from improper data handling practices where the applications store unencrypted sensitive information in log files, creating an exploitable condition that significantly compromises user security and privacy. The vulnerability specifically impacts the mobile authentication and access management systems used by organizations for visitor management and access control purposes.
The technical flaw manifests through the insecure storage of sensitive data elements including API keys, authentication tokens, and other confidential information within application log files without proper encryption mechanisms. This practice violates fundamental security principles and creates persistent exposure windows where local attackers can access these logs through various means such as device compromise, file system access, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312 (CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) which specifically addresses the insecure handling of sensitive data in cleartext format, making it easily accessible to unauthorized parties.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with direct access to authentication credentials and system access tokens that could be used to impersonate legitimate users or gain unauthorized access to backend systems. The theft of API keys particularly poses significant risks since these credentials often provide programmatic access to enterprise resources, cloud services, and internal systems. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially escalate privileges, access restricted resources, or conduct further attacks within the compromised environment, making this a critical concern for organizations relying on Envoy Passport for security operations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1074.001 (Data Staged) and T1566.001 (Phishing) as it involves the unauthorized access and potential exploitation of stored credentials.
Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures including the implementation of proper encryption for all sensitive data stored in logs, the establishment of secure logging practices, and the removal of sensitive information from log files. The solution requires comprehensive code review and security auditing of mobile applications to identify all instances where sensitive data might be stored without encryption. Additionally, organizations should establish secure data handling protocols, implement proper log management systems with access controls, and conduct regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other applications. The remediation process must include updating the application code to ensure that all sensitive information is encrypted at rest, implementing proper log sanitization procedures, and establishing monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts to log files. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper data protection measures in mobile application development environments.