CVE-2025-27606 in element-android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/14/2025
Element Android is an Android Matrix Client provided by Element. Element Android up to version 1.6.32 can, under certain circumstances, fail to logout the user if they input the wrong PIN more than the configured amount of times. An attacker with physical access to a device can exploit this to guess the PIN. Version 1.6.34 solves the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-27606 affects Element Android, a widely used Matrix client application that provides secure messaging capabilities for individuals and organizations. This particular flaw represents a critical weakness in the application's authentication mechanism that could potentially compromise user security if exploited properly. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the application prior to 1.6.34, leaving users of older versions at risk of unauthorized access through brute force attacks. The issue stems from the application's failure to properly enforce logout mechanisms when authentication attempts exceed configured limits, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the system.
The technical implementation flaw occurs within the application's PIN validation and session management subsystems. When users input incorrect PIN codes repeatedly, the application should automatically terminate the session and require re-authentication through proper channels. However, in affected versions, the system fails to enforce this critical security control, allowing continued access attempts without proper session termination. This behavior creates a scenario where an attacker with physical access to a device can systematically guess PIN codes without triggering the expected security mechanisms that would normally lock out the user after multiple failed attempts. The vulnerability manifests as a failure in the authentication state management process, where the application does not properly transition from an authenticated to a locked state.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly increases the attack surface for users who store sensitive information within the Element Android application. Physical access attacks become particularly dangerous as they allow threat actors to perform brute force PIN guessing without the typical network-based detection mechanisms that might otherwise alert administrators to suspicious activity. The attack vector is particularly concerning in environments where mobile devices are frequently lost or stolen, as the lack of proper session termination could enable attackers to gain persistent access to chat histories, personal communications, and potentially sensitive organizational data. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and proper session management that are fundamental to secure application design.
The remediation implemented in version 1.6.34 addresses this issue through enhanced session management controls that properly enforce logout mechanisms upon reaching maximum authentication attempt limits. This fix aligns with established security best practices for mobile application development and follows the principles outlined in the OWASP Mobile Top 10 framework, particularly concerning authentication and session management vulnerabilities. The update ensures that when authentication attempts exceed configured thresholds, the application properly terminates the current session and requires re-authentication through appropriate channels. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of this security patch across all affected installations, as the vulnerability creates a persistent risk for users who may not immediately notice the compromised authentication state.
This vulnerability type maps to CWE-307 - Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 - Accessing Data: Web Shell, as it creates conditions where unauthorized access can be achieved through repeated authentication attempts. The issue demonstrates a failure in the application's defense in depth strategy, where multiple security controls should have prevented the exploitation scenario. Security professionals should consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual authentication patterns and ensure that mobile device management policies include requirements for timely security updates. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper session lifecycle management in mobile applications and serves as a reminder that authentication controls must be robust even when physical security is compromised.