CVE-2021-25423 in Watch Active2 PlugIn
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2021
Improper log management vulnerability in Watch Active2 PlugIn prior to 2.2.08.21033151 version allows attacker with log permissions to leak Wi-Fi password connected to the user smartphone via log.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2021
The CVE-2021-25423 vulnerability represents a critical improper log management flaw in the Watch Active2 PlugIn software version 2.2.08.21033151 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from inadequate handling of sensitive information within application logs, creating a significant security risk for users of the connected smartphone devices. The flaw specifically affects the logging mechanism that records Wi-Fi network authentication details, exposing credentials through improperly secured log files that are accessible to attackers with appropriate permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to sanitize or encrypt sensitive data before writing it to log files. When a user's smartphone connects to a Wi-Fi network through the Watch Active2 PlugIn, the system generates log entries that contain the Wi-Fi password in cleartext format. This occurs because the logging framework does not properly distinguish between routine operational information and sensitive authentication data, resulting in credential exposure within the application's log output. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker with access to the log files can directly extract the stored Wi-Fi credentials, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms and gaining unauthorized network access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to establish persistent network access to the victim's mobile device and potentially compromise the entire network infrastructure. Once an attacker obtains the Wi-Fi password through log file analysis, they can connect to the same network as the legitimate user, potentially intercepting communications, conducting man-in-the-middle attacks, or using the network as a launchpad for further reconnaissance and exploitation. This vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on the Watch Active2 PlugIn for device management and monitoring, as it undermines the security of their mobile device connectivity and creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the vulnerability is patched.
The flaw aligns with CWE-532, which addresses the insertion of sensitive information into log files, and demonstrates poor adherence to secure coding practices for information handling. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to the attack technique T1071.004 under the ATT&CK framework, specifically covering application layer protocols and network protocols where attackers can exploit improperly managed log data to extract sensitive information. Organizations and users should implement immediate mitigations including updating to version 2.2.08.21033151 or later, implementing log file access controls, and conducting thorough log review procedures to identify and remove sensitive information from log outputs. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing automated log sanitization processes and establishing strict access controls for log file repositories to prevent unauthorized access to potentially sensitive information.
This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper information lifecycle management within mobile applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor logging implementation flaws can result in significant security consequences. The exposure of Wi-Fi credentials through log files represents a classic example of inadequate security controls in application design, where the lack of input validation and output sanitization creates exploitable conditions for attackers. The remediation process requires not only updating the affected software but also establishing comprehensive logging policies that prevent sensitive data exposure while maintaining necessary operational visibility for system administrators.