CVE-2020-13129 in App
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in the stashcat app through 3.9.1 for macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and possibly other platforms. The GET method is used with client_key and device_id data in the query string, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading web-server logs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-13129 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the stashcat application across multiple platform implementations including macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS systems. This security weakness stems from improper handling of sensitive authentication parameters within the application's web request architecture. The flaw manifests when the application utilizes the GET HTTP method to transmit client_key and device_id credentials directly within the URL query string rather than employing secure transmission mechanisms such as POST requests or proper header-based authentication. This design decision creates a significant exposure point that directly violates fundamental web security principles and industry best practices for credential management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a well-documented pattern that aligns with CWE-542 - Information Exposure Through Asynchronous Communication Channels and CWE-312 - Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information. When the stashcat application constructs HTTP requests using GET methods, it embeds sensitive authentication tokens and device identifiers within the Uniform Resource Locator itself. This approach fundamentally compromises the confidentiality of authentication data because HTTP query strings are routinely logged in web server access logs, browser history, and proxy server records. The vulnerability creates a persistent exposure window where attackers can obtain sensitive information simply by accessing these log files, which are typically maintained for legitimate operational purposes such as debugging, performance monitoring, and security auditing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate credential theft to encompass broader security implications for affected organizations and users. Attackers who gain access to web server logs can extract complete client_key and device_id values, potentially enabling them to impersonate legitimate users, access restricted resources, or perform unauthorized operations within the application ecosystem. This weakness particularly affects mobile and cross-platform applications where device identification and client authentication are critical for maintaining secure sessions and protecting user data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise since it relies on standard log file access rather than sophisticated attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous in environments where log files are not adequately secured or monitored for sensitive data exposure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-13129 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues in future application development. The primary fix involves modifying the application's HTTP request handling to utilize POST methods or secure header-based authentication mechanisms for transmitting sensitive parameters. This approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 - Phishing and ATT&CK technique T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS to ensure that sensitive data is not exposed through query string parameters. Organizations should also implement comprehensive log management practices including log file access controls, regular log audits, and automated scanning for sensitive information exposure. The remediation process should include thorough code reviews to identify all instances where authentication parameters might be transmitted through URL query strings, along with implementation of proper input validation and parameter sanitization to prevent future occurrences of similar vulnerabilities.