CVE-2018-18363 in App Lock
Summary
by MITRE
Norton App Lock prior to 1.4.0.445 can be susceptible to a bypass exploit. In this type of circumstance, the exploit can allow the user to circumvent the app to prevent it from locking the device, thereby allowing the individual to gain device access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18363 affects Norton App Lock versions prior to 140445, representing a critical security flaw in mobile application protection mechanisms. This vulnerability manifests as a bypass exploit that undermines the fundamental security premise of the application, which is designed to prevent unauthorized access to protected applications and device functionality. The flaw resides in the application's authorization and locking mechanisms, creating a potential entry point for malicious actors seeking to gain unrestricted access to devices while bypassing the intended security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation processes within the application's security framework, allowing attackers to exploit specific code paths that should normally prevent unauthorized access. The flaw operates by circumventing the authentication and authorization checks that are essential for maintaining the integrity of the app lock functionality. This bypass mechanism enables attackers to manipulate the application's behavior to disable or override the device locking features, effectively nullifying the security measures that users rely upon to protect their devices and sensitive data. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe as it directly undermines the core purpose of the security application.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for users who depend on Norton App Lock for device protection, potentially exposing sensitive personal and corporate data to unauthorized access. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain device access without proper authentication, which could lead to data theft, privacy violations, and potential further exploitation of the compromised device. The vulnerability's nature suggests it could be leveraged in various attack scenarios including mobile device theft, insider threats, or social engineering attacks where an attacker gains physical access to a device and can bypass the security controls. The impact extends beyond individual users to potentially affect enterprise security policies that rely on such applications for protecting corporate assets.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate application of the vendor-provided patch or update to version 1.4.0.445 or later, which addresses the specific bypass exploit through enhanced validation mechanisms and strengthened authorization checks. Organizations should implement comprehensive security assessments to identify affected devices and ensure all instances of the vulnerable application are updated. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of keeping security applications updated and the potential risks associated with running outdated security software. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1548.002 for bypassing application control mechanisms. The remediation process should include verification of the patch effectiveness through security testing and monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts.