CVE-2019-19251 in Scrobbler
Summary
by MITRE
The Last.fm desktop app (Last.fm Scrobbler) through 2.1.39 on macOS makes HTTP requests that include an API key without the use of SSL/TLS. Although there is an Enable SSL option, it is disabled by default, and cleartext requests are made as soon as the app starts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-19251 represents a critical security flaw in the Last.fm desktop application for macOS, specifically affecting versions through 2.1.39. This issue stems from the application's improper handling of authentication credentials during network communications, creating a significant risk for user privacy and account security. The vulnerability manifests when the application makes HTTP requests containing API keys without employing secure transport layer encryption, effectively exposing sensitive authentication information to potential attackers who might intercept network traffic.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure communication practices within the application's network stack. When the Last.fm Scrobbler application initializes, it immediately begins transmitting API keys in cleartext over HTTP connections, bypassing any security measures that might otherwise protect these credentials. Even though the application includes an explicit "Enable SSL" configuration option, this security feature remains disabled by default, meaning that users are automatically subjected to insecure communications without their knowledge or explicit consent. This design flaw directly violates established security principles and best practices for protecting sensitive information in transit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it creates multiple attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to compromise user accounts. Attackers who can intercept network traffic between the application and Last.fm's servers can easily extract API keys and potentially gain unauthorized access to user accounts, enabling them to scrobble music on behalf of users, access personal listening history, and potentially perform other unauthorized actions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs immediately upon application startup, meaning that any user who launches the application is automatically at risk, regardless of their security awareness or configuration choices.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through the use of insecure communication channels. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046, which covers network service scanning, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to identify and exploit insecure communication patterns. The default-unsafe configuration approach violates the principle of least privilege and secure by default design principles, making the application inherently vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and eavesdropping. Organizations and users should recognize that this vulnerability represents a failure in the application's security architecture, where the default behavior compromises user security rather than protecting it.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability involve immediate implementation of secure communication protocols and configuration changes. Users should ensure that the SSL/TLS encryption option is enabled within the application settings, though this requires manual intervention. Application developers must address the root cause by making SSL/TLS encryption the default behavior rather than an optional feature, implementing proper certificate validation, and ensuring that all API keys and sensitive data are transmitted only over secure channels. Additionally, the application should provide clear user feedback about the security status of connections and implement automatic detection of insecure communications to alert users when they are operating in vulnerable modes.