CVE-2019-15068 in Smart Battery A4
Summary
by MITRE
A broken access control vulnerability in Smart Battery A4, a multifunctional portable charger, firmware version ?<= r1.7.9 allows an attacker to get/reset administrator’s password without any authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15068 represents a critical broken access control flaw within the Smart Battery A4 multifunctional portable charger firmware. This device, designed for portable power solutions, contains a security weakness that fundamentally undermines its authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects firmware versions up to and including r1.7.9, indicating a widespread issue across multiple iterations of the product's software infrastructure. The flaw allows unauthorized individuals to obtain or reset administrator passwords without requiring any form of authentication, creating a severe security risk for users who rely on these devices for power management.
This technical weakness stems from improper implementation of access control mechanisms within the device's firmware architecture. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass the standard authentication protocols that should protect administrative functions, effectively granting full control over the device's configuration and operational parameters. The absence of authentication requirements for password reset operations creates a backdoor that malicious actors can exploit to gain unauthorized administrative access. This issue directly maps to CWE-284, which describes improper access control vulnerabilities where systems fail to properly enforce access restrictions. The vulnerability represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege, where administrative functions should require explicit authentication before execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password exposure, as it allows attackers to assume complete administrative control over the device. Once an attacker gains access, they can modify device settings, potentially disrupting power delivery functionality, altering security configurations, or even creating persistent access points for further exploitation. The portable nature of the Smart Battery A4 device means that this vulnerability could be exploited in various environments where the device might be physically accessible to unauthorized individuals. This risk is particularly concerning given that the device is designed for mobile use, increasing the likelihood of physical tampering or theft scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from the manufacturer to address the access control implementation flaws. Users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest firmware version that resolves this issue, as the vulnerability affects all versions up to r1.7.9. Network administrators and security professionals should also consider implementing additional monitoring of device configurations and access logs to detect any unauthorized modifications. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210, which involves exploitation of remote services or devices to gain unauthorized access, and demonstrates how physical device security can be compromised through software vulnerabilities. Organizations utilizing these devices should conduct security assessments to verify the firmware versions in their deployments and implement proper device management protocols to prevent exploitation of this access control weakness.