CVE-2020-35455 in Diibear App
Summary
by MITRE • 03/17/2021
The Taidii Diibear Android application 2.4.0 and all its derivatives allow attackers to obtain user credentials from Shared Preferences and the SQLite database because of insecure data storage.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-35455 affects the Taidii Diibear Android application version 2.4.0 and its subsequent derivatives, presenting a critical security flaw related to insecure data storage practices. This vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of sensitive user information within its local storage mechanisms, creating exploitable conditions that allow unauthorized access to confidential data. The flaw specifically manifests in the application's failure to implement proper encryption and access controls for data stored in both Shared Preferences and SQLite database components, which are fundamental storage mechanisms within the Android operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's reliance on default storage mechanisms without adequate security measures to protect user credentials. Shared Preferences in Android, while convenient for storing small amounts of primitive data, do not provide encryption by default and are stored in plain text within the application's private directory. Similarly, SQLite databases used by the application lack proper encryption mechanisms, leaving credential information accessible through direct file system access or through exploitation of other vulnerabilities that might grant attackers access to the application's private storage space. This insecure data storage pattern directly violates established security best practices and creates a significant attack surface for threat actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to user accounts and potentially sensitive personal information stored within the application. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through various methods including direct file system access, application compromise, or through intermediate vulnerabilities that might provide access to the application's private storage area. The stolen credentials could be used for account takeover attacks, identity theft, or to gain access to additional systems where users may have reused passwords. This vulnerability particularly affects the principle of least privilege and data confidentiality, as user credentials are stored without proper encryption or access controls, making them accessible to any entity with access to the application's storage space.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate storage security issues and broader application security practices. The primary recommendation involves implementing proper encryption for all sensitive data stored locally within the application, utilizing Android's Keystore system for secure key management and data encryption. Additionally, developers should implement proper access controls and permissions for storage components, ensuring that sensitive data is not stored in easily accessible locations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials) which are commonly referenced in security frameworks and represent well-established categories of insecure data handling practices. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of defense in depth by combining multiple security controls including secure coding practices, regular security assessments, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following established security standards and best practices, particularly in mobile application development where local storage mechanisms are frequently misused or inadequately secured. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1531 (Account Access Removal) and T1552 (Unsecured Credentials) as attackers can leverage insecure data storage to gain unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive information.