CVE-2019-15069 in Smart Battery A4
Summary
by MITRE
An unsafe authentication interface was discovered in Smart Battery A4, a multifunctional portable charger, firmware version ?<= r1.7.9 . An attacker can bypass authentication without modifying device file and gain web page management privilege.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15069 represents a critical authentication flaw in Smart Battery A4 multifunctional portable chargers running firmware versions up to and including r1.7.9. This device, designed for portable power solutions, incorporates a web-based management interface that exposes an unsafe authentication mechanism. The flaw allows attackers to bypass the standard authentication process entirely without requiring any device file modifications, which fundamentally undermines the security model of the device. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of authentication tokens and credentials within the web management interface, creating an entry point that should have been protected by robust access controls.
This authentication bypass vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the device's web interface implementation. The flaw likely stems from insufficient session management, weak credential validation, or predictable authentication tokens that allow unauthorized users to gain administrative privileges. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it provides full administrative control over the device's management functions. Attackers can manipulate device settings, potentially affecting power delivery parameters, monitoring capabilities, and other critical operational features. The lack of file modification requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without physical access or complex attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for users who rely on these devices for critical power backup solutions. Organizations and individuals using Smart Battery A4 devices in environments where power reliability is crucial face potential security risks that could compromise their power management infrastructure. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that could be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized control over the device's operational parameters, potentially leading to power delivery disruptions or malicious manipulation of the charging process. This represents a violation of the principle of least privilege and undermines the trust model that users place in their portable power solutions.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from the vendor, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and may map to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure web interface design principles and proper authentication implementation in IoT devices, particularly those with remote management capabilities. Device manufacturers should prioritize secure development practices and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future firmware releases.