CVE-2021-25404 in SmartThings
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2021
Information Exposure vulnerability in SmartThings prior to version 1.7.64.21 allows attacker to access user information via log.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2021
The CVE-2021-25404 vulnerability represents a critical information exposure flaw within the SmartThings platform that affected versions prior to 1.7.64.21. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive user data within the logging mechanisms of the SmartThings ecosystem, creating a significant security risk for users who rely on the platform for home automation and IoT device management. The flaw specifically manifests when the system generates logs that inadvertently contain user information, potentially exposing personal data to unauthorized parties who gain access to these log files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the logging subsystem where user credentials, device configurations, network information, and other sensitive operational data are being written to log files without proper sanitization or access controls. This type of information exposure vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and output handling practices where the system fails to properly filter or encrypt sensitive data before it is persisted in log storage. Attackers can exploit this weakness by gaining access to the logging infrastructure through various attack vectors including compromised user accounts, misconfigured access controls, or direct system breaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can compromise user privacy and system integrity. When user information is logged in plaintext or inadequately protected formats, it provides attackers with valuable intelligence for further attacks including credential reuse, social engineering campaigns, and targeted exploitation of other system components. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad, potentially enabling attackers to reconstruct user behavioral patterns, device configurations, and network topologies that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1070.004, which involves the use of log data for reconnaissance and persistence activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-25404 require immediate implementation of log sanitization protocols and access control improvements. Organizations should implement proper log rotation and encryption mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. The remediation process involves upgrading to SmartThings version 1.7.64.21 or later, which includes patched logging mechanisms that properly handle sensitive data. Security teams should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous access patterns to log files and establish automated alerts for potential information exposure incidents. Additionally, regular security audits of logging configurations should be conducted to ensure that no sensitive information is being inadvertently exposed through system logging processes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and proper information classification standards to prevent similar issues from occurring in future system implementations.