CVE-2018-6975 in AirWatch Agent
Summary
by MITRE
The AirWatch Agent for iOS prior to 5.8.1 contains a data protection vulnerability whereby the files and keychain entries in the Agent are not encrypted.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
The AirWatch Agent for iOS vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6975 represents a critical data protection flaw that undermines the security posture of mobile device management implementations. This vulnerability affects versions of the AirWatch Agent prior to 5.8.1 and specifically targets the encryption mechanisms that should safeguard sensitive data stored on iOS devices. The flaw resides in the agent's failure to properly encrypt both file system entries and keychain data, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on mobile device management solutions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate cryptographic protection mechanisms within the AirWatch Agent framework. When mobile devices are enrolled in AirWatch managed environments, the agent stores various types of sensitive information including configuration data, user credentials, and device-specific identifiers. In vulnerable versions, this data remains unencrypted on the device storage, making it accessible to malicious actors who gain physical access to compromised devices. The vulnerability manifests as a failure to implement proper encryption at rest, which is a fundamental requirement for protecting sensitive information on mobile platforms according to industry standards such as those outlined in the National Institute of Standards and Technology guidelines for mobile security.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6975 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates multiple attack vectors for threat actors seeking to compromise managed devices. Attackers with physical access to iOS devices can directly extract sensitive information from the unencrypted file system and keychain entries without requiring advanced exploitation techniques. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-311, which addresses the absence of encryption of sensitive data, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for credential access through keychain data extraction. Organizations using AirWatch for device management face significant risks including potential data breaches, unauthorized access to corporate resources, and exposure of sensitive user information that could be leveraged for further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of AirWatch Agent version 5.8.1 or later, which includes proper encryption mechanisms for both file system and keychain data. Security administrators should also implement additional protective measures such as enabling device encryption policies, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and establishing comprehensive mobile device management policies that include regular security assessments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date mobile security solutions and demonstrates how seemingly simple encryption failures can create substantial security risks in enterprise environments. Organizations should conduct thorough risk assessments to identify devices running vulnerable versions and ensure proper patch management processes are in place to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.