CVE-2018-5239 in App Lock
Summary
by MITRE
Norton App Lock prior to v1.3.0.332 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 • 03/05/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5239 affects Norton App Lock software versions prior to v1.3.0.332, representing a critical security flaw in mobile application protection mechanisms. This weakness specifically targets the application's ability to enforce device lock protection, creating a scenario where malicious actors can bypass the intended security controls. The vulnerability resides within the application's authorization and access control implementation, where proper validation mechanisms fail to prevent unauthorized access attempts. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-613, which addresses insufficient session expiration, and CWE-306, which covers missing authentication. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in the application's security architecture where the protective measures designed to safeguard user devices can be circumvented through targeted exploitation techniques. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the core functionality of security applications that rely on user authentication and device access controls to maintain system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access control checks within the Norton App Lock application. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the application's internal state or by leveraging timing attacks that allow them to bypass the authentication mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized device access. The bypass exploit specifically targets the application's ability to properly enforce lock mechanisms, potentially allowing an attacker to gain access to the device even when the application is configured to prevent such access. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it compromises the fundamental security model that the application was designed to provide. From an operational perspective, this flaw represents a significant risk to user privacy and device security, as it undermines the trust relationship between the user and the security application. The exploit can be executed without requiring elevated privileges or complex attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where devices often contain sensitive personal and corporate data.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5239 is substantial, as it allows adversaries to completely bypass the protective mechanisms that users rely upon for device security. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including social engineering, direct application manipulation, or through the use of specialized tools designed to exploit the specific implementation flaw. The attack surface is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where employees may use such applications to protect sensitive corporate data, as successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to confidential information. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1548.002, which covers abuse of group policy objects, and T1059, which addresses command and scripting interpreters. Organizations using affected versions of Norton App Lock face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized device access, and potential compromise of broader network security postures. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple device platforms and operating systems increases its overall impact, as it affects a wide range of users who depend on the application for security protection.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of the patched version v1.3.0.332 or later, which addresses the core implementation flaws in the application's access control mechanisms. Security administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected devices and ensure proper patch management protocols are implemented. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated application to verify that the bypass exploit has been properly addressed. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring measures to detect potential exploitation attempts, including behavioral analysis of application usage patterns and network traffic analysis for suspicious activities. From a defense-in-depth perspective, users should be educated about the risks associated with running outdated security applications and the importance of maintaining current security software. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper access control implementation and the need for regular security assessments of mobile applications. Security teams should also consider implementing additional layers of protection such as device encryption, secure boot mechanisms, and application whitelisting to reduce the overall risk exposure. Regular security audits of mobile security applications are essential to identify similar implementation flaws that could compromise user security and device integrity.