CVE-2024-42496 in Smart-tab Android App
Summary
by MITRE • 09/30/2024
Smart-tab Android app installed April 2023 or earlier contains an issue with plaintext storage of a password. If this vulnerability is exploited, an attacker with physical access to the device may retrieve the credential information and spoof the device to access the related external service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-42496 affects the Smart-tab Android application, which was installed on devices as early as April 2023. This security flaw represents a critical weakness in the application's credential management practices, specifically involving the insecure storage of authentication information. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper cryptographic protections for sensitive data, leaving password credentials exposed in plaintext format within the device's storage mechanisms. This design oversight creates a significant attack surface that can be exploited by adversaries who gain physical possession of the affected device.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in the application's handling of user authentication data, where password information is stored without adequate encryption or obfuscation. This plaintext storage approach directly violates established security best practices and industry standards such as those outlined in CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers who have obtained possession of the target device through various means including theft, loss, or social engineering attacks. The plaintext nature of the stored credentials means that any individual with access to the device's file system can directly read and extract the password information without requiring additional technical skills or specialized tools.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables full device spoofing capabilities that allow attackers to impersonate the legitimate device and gain unauthorized access to external services. This compromise undermines the integrity of the authentication system and potentially exposes all accounts and services associated with the device's credentials. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the device remains compromised, allowing attackers to maintain access to sensitive systems and data. According to ATT&CK framework category T1552, this vulnerability falls under the technique of "Unsecured Credentials" which encompasses various methods of credential exposure and theft. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by adversaries who may not require network-based access or sophisticated exploitation techniques, as the vulnerability is directly accessible through local device manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security risk and the underlying architectural flaw in the application's credential handling. The most effective remediation involves implementing proper cryptographic storage mechanisms for all sensitive data, including password information, through the use of Android's Keystore system or similar secure storage solutions. Organizations should immediately update the Smart-tab application to versions that address this vulnerability, ensuring that all password credentials are encrypted before storage and that proper key management practices are implemented. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of device security and the risks associated with physical device compromise. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized device access attempts and credential exposure events, while system administrators should implement device management policies that enforce secure credential storage practices across all enterprise devices. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect sensitive information throughout the application lifecycle.