CVE-2021-25389 in S Secure
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2021
Improper running task check in S Secure prior to SMR MAY-2021 Release 1 allows attackers to use locked app without authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-25389 represents a critical flaw in the S Secure mobile security application prior to the SMR MAY-2021 Release 1. This issue stems from an improper implementation of task checking mechanisms within the application's authentication framework, creating a significant security gap that undermines the intended protection of locked applications. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's ability to properly verify whether a task is running or has been properly secured, allowing unauthorized access to locked applications without proper authentication.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the flawed validation of running tasks within the S Secure application's security architecture. When an application is locked, the system should perform rigorous checks to ensure that the lock mechanism is properly enforced before granting access to the application's contents. However, the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass these checks by exploiting a weakness in how the application determines whether a task is currently active or has been properly secured. This improper running task check creates a window of opportunity for attackers to access locked applications without providing valid authentication credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-25389 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially sensitive data stored within locked applications. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain access to personal information, financial data, communications, and other confidential content that users expect to be protected by the application's lock mechanism. The vulnerability essentially renders the authentication system ineffective, allowing threat actors to circumvent the security controls designed to protect user data. This represents a significant failure in the application's security model and could lead to data breaches, privacy violations, and potential identity theft scenarios.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability according to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, where it aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control mechanisms. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1550.001, which involves unauthorized access to protected data through exploitation of weak authentication or authorization controls. The flaw essentially allows attackers to perform privilege escalation by bypassing the authentication checks that should prevent unauthorized access to locked applications. This vulnerability specifically affects mobile security applications where the primary function is to protect user data through authentication mechanisms.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing proper task validation checks that ensure applications cannot be accessed without valid authentication. This includes strengthening the authentication framework to properly verify that security checks are functioning correctly before granting access to locked applications. Organizations should immediately update to the SMR MAY-2021 Release 1 or later versions that contain the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security assessments to identify any other applications that may be similarly vulnerable to improper task checking mechanisms, particularly those that rely on authentication for protecting sensitive data access. The patch for this vulnerability specifically addresses the flawed task validation logic that allowed unauthorized access to locked applications, thereby restoring the intended security controls.