CVE-2020-9754 in Whale Browser Mobile App
Summary
by MITRE • 06/27/2022
NAVER Whale browser mobile app before 1.10.6.2 allows the attacker to bypass its browser unlock function via incognito mode.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2022
The CVE-2020-9754 vulnerability affects the NAVER Whale browser mobile application version 1.10.5.2 and earlier, representing a significant security flaw in the browser's authentication mechanism. This vulnerability specifically targets the browser's unlock function, which is designed to protect user sessions and prevent unauthorized access to browsing data. The flaw allows attackers to bypass these security controls by leveraging the browser's incognito mode functionality, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized access to user data and browsing sessions. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical design flaw in how the application handles session management and authentication boundaries between normal browsing and private/incognito modes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper session handling and authentication boundary enforcement within the mobile browser application. When users engage with the incognito mode, the application should maintain strict security controls to prevent unauthorized access to the browser session. However, the flaw allows attackers to exploit the transition between normal browsing and incognito modes to circumvent the unlock mechanism that typically requires authentication before accessing browser features. This bypass occurs due to insufficient validation of the user's authentication state when switching between different browsing contexts. The vulnerability falls under the category of authentication bypass issues and can be classified as a weakness in session management, aligning with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication. The attack vector specifically exploits the inconsistency in how the application handles authentication states across different browsing modes, creating a security gap that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially sensitive browsing data and user sessions. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain access to private browsing sessions, potentially compromising user privacy and sensitive information such as login credentials, personal communications, and browsing history. The implications are particularly concerning for mobile users who rely on browsers for accessing sensitive personal and professional information. The vulnerability affects users across various threat scenarios including those who may be in public spaces where physical access to devices could be compromised. Security researchers have noted that this type of vulnerability can enable more sophisticated attacks such as session hijacking, credential theft, and privacy violations. The attack can be executed remotely without requiring physical device access, making it particularly dangerous for mobile users who may not be aware of the security compromise until after it has occurred.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application of the security patch released by NAVER, specifically version 1.10.6.2 or later, which addresses the authentication bypass in incognito mode. Organizations and users should prioritize updating their browser applications to the patched version to eliminate the security gap. Additionally, security teams should implement monitoring for any suspicious activity related to browser session management and authentication events. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper session management and authentication boundary enforcement in mobile applications, highlighting the need for comprehensive security testing of all browsing modes and contexts. Security controls should include enhanced validation of user authentication states regardless of the browsing mode being used. Organizations should also consider implementing additional protective measures such as automatic session timeout mechanisms and enhanced user authentication requirements for sensitive operations within mobile browsers. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper security controls in mobile applications and the potential risks when authentication boundaries are not properly enforced across different application contexts. The remediation approach should also include security awareness training for users to recognize potential threats and maintain good security hygiene practices when using mobile browser applications.