CVE-2019-1487 in Authentication Library
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability in Android Apps using Microsoft Authentication Library (MSAL) 0.3.1-Alpha or later exists under specific conditions, aka 'Microsoft Authentication Library for Android Information Disclosure Vulnerability'.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2019
The CVE-2019-1487 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Android applications that integrate the Microsoft Authentication Library version 0.3.1-Alpha and subsequent releases. This vulnerability specifically affects the authentication flow mechanisms implemented by MSAL, creating potential exposure points for sensitive user data and authentication tokens. The issue manifests when applications utilizing this library process authentication responses under particular conditions, leading to unintended data leakage that could compromise user privacy and system security. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it impacts widely deployed authentication libraries used across numerous enterprise and consumer applications.
The technical root cause of this information disclosure vulnerability stems from improper handling of authentication state and token management within the MSAL implementation. When applications process authentication responses, the library fails to adequately sanitize or validate the data flow between different authentication components, resulting in sensitive information being exposed through unintended channels. This flaw typically occurs during the token acquisition process where intermediate authentication states contain unencrypted sensitive data that should remain protected. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, Information Exposure, and more specifically aligns with CWE-312, Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information, as it involves the improper handling of sensitive authentication data. The flaw operates at the application layer and requires specific conditions to be exploited, making it particularly challenging to detect during routine security assessments.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-1487 extends beyond simple data leakage, potentially enabling attackers to compromise user authentication tokens and session information. An adversary who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to refresh tokens, access tokens, and other sensitive authentication artifacts that would allow them to impersonate users within affected applications. This type of vulnerability creates opportunities for lateral movement within enterprise environments where MSAL is widely deployed, as compromised tokens could provide access to additional services and systems. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in enterprise settings where Microsoft authentication services are commonly integrated, as it could enable attackers to escalate privileges and maintain persistent access to critical organizational resources. Security analysts should consider this vulnerability as part of the broader ATT&CK framework under T1566, Phishing, and T1078, Valid Accounts, as it directly enables credential compromise and unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-1487 require immediate application of updated MSAL versions that address the information disclosure flaw. Organizations should prioritize updating all applications utilizing MSAL 0.3.1-Alpha or later to the latest stable releases that have been patched to resolve this vulnerability. Security teams should implement comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized token access patterns and establish automated alerting for suspicious authentication activities. The implementation of proper token validation mechanisms and secure data handling practices within applications becomes critical to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all applications that may be affected by this issue, particularly those that integrate Microsoft authentication services. Regular security testing and code reviews focusing on authentication flow implementations will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future application deployments. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security libraries and implementing robust authentication security practices as outlined in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-63B and ISO/IEC 27001 security requirements.