CVE-2022-23849 in Password Hub
Summary
by MITRE • 03/03/2022
The biometric lock in Devolutions Password Hub for iOS before 2021.3.4 allows attackers to access the application because of authentication bypass. An attacker must rapidly make failed biometric authentication attempts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-23849 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within Devolutions Password Hub for iOS applications prior to version 2021.3.4. This security weakness specifically targets the biometric authentication mechanism implemented in the mobile password management application, creating a significant risk for users who rely on fingerprint or face recognition for application access. The vulnerability stems from inadequate implementation of biometric authentication controls that fail to properly handle rapid successive authentication attempts, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive password data stored within the application.
The technical flaw manifests through a race condition or state management issue within the biometric authentication subsystem where the application does not adequately validate or track consecutive failed authentication attempts. Attackers can exploit this weakness by rapidly executing multiple failed biometric authentication requests in quick succession, effectively bypassing the intended security controls. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-305 Authentication Bypass Through User Identification Error, where the system fails to properly authenticate users due to improper handling of authentication states. The rapid succession of failed attempts creates a timing window where the application's security mechanisms become ineffective, allowing an attacker to gain access without proper authorization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches of sensitive credential information stored within the password manager. Mobile password managers like Devolutions Password Hub contain highly valuable data including usernames, passwords, and other authentication credentials for multiple accounts across various services. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can access all stored credentials without proper authorization, potentially leading to cascading security incidents across multiple online accounts. This vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on biometric authentication as their primary means of application access, creating a false sense of security that is undermined by the authentication bypass mechanism.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1110 Credential Access tactics, specifically targeting credential storage and authentication mechanisms. The rapid attack pattern required to exploit this vulnerability suggests the implementation may lack proper rate limiting or account lockout mechanisms that would normally prevent brute force or rapid successive authentication attempts. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a failure in implementing proper session management and authentication state validation, which are fundamental requirements for mobile application security. The fix for this vulnerability required developers to properly implement authentication state tracking and ensure that rapid successive authentication attempts are properly handled to prevent the bypass condition from occurring.
Organizations using Devolutions Password Hub should immediately update to version 2021.3.4 or later to address this vulnerability. Security teams should implement additional monitoring for unusual authentication patterns and consider implementing supplementary authentication controls such as secondary verification methods. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper authentication design in mobile applications and serves as a reminder that biometric authentication systems must be implemented with appropriate safeguards against timing-based attacks and rapid successive attempt exploitation patterns.