CVE-2019-15629 in Password Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Trend Micro Password Manager versions 3.x, 5.0, and 5.1 for Android is affected by a FLAG_MISUSE vulnerability that could be exploited to allow the application to share information to third-party applications on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15629 affects Trend Micro Password Manager versions 3.x, 5.0, and 5.1 for Android operating systems, representing a significant security flaw that undermines the application's integrity and user privacy. This issue stems from improper handling of Android's FLAG_ACTIVITY_NEW_TASK flag within the application's intent management system, creating an unintended pathway for information leakage to unauthorized third-party applications. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the password manager application fails to properly validate or restrict the sharing of intents that could carry sensitive credential data across application boundaries.
The technical implementation of this FLAG_MISUSE vulnerability occurs when the password manager application creates intents without properly setting security constraints that would normally prevent other applications from intercepting or accessing these intents. This misconfiguration allows malicious applications that are registered to handle similar intent filters to potentially capture and process the password manager's intents, thereby gaining access to sensitive credential information or authentication tokens that should remain isolated within the password manager's secure environment. The flaw operates at the Android application component level where intent-based communication is utilized for inter-application data exchange.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk to users who rely on Trend Micro Password Manager for credential storage and management. Attackers could exploit this weakness to install malicious applications that register to handle the same intent patterns used by the password manager, potentially leading to credential theft, account takeover, or broader system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it undermines the fundamental security model of password managers, which are designed to provide a secure sanctuary for sensitive authentication data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard application installation processes, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may inadvertently install malicious applications.
Security researchers have categorized this vulnerability under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software applications, specifically focusing on the mismanagement of application component access. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers credentials in files, as the compromised application may inadvertently expose credential data through improper intent handling. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of how improper security controls in mobile applications can create attack vectors that bypass traditional security boundaries. Organizations should consider implementing mobile application security controls that monitor for suspicious intent handling patterns and enforce proper application sandboxing practices. The recommended mitigation strategy includes updating to patched versions of Trend Micro Password Manager where the intent handling has been properly secured, implementing mobile device management policies that restrict application installation from untrusted sources, and conducting regular security assessments of mobile applications to identify similar FLAG_MISUSE patterns. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of installing applications from unknown sources and the importance of maintaining updated security software to protect against such exploitation vectors.