CVE-2018-18979 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A problem was found in the Android version of the Ascensia Contour NEXT ONE app prior to 2019-01-15. The app uses a static initialization vector, which is needed to decrypt communications between the app and the backend server. This, combined with another vulnerability that allows access to encrypted user data from the Ascensia cloud, enables an attacker to access and manipulate medical information belonging to any patient.

Understanding CVE-2018-18979

An issue was discovered in the Ascensia Contour NEXT ONE application for Android before 2019-01-15. It has a statically coded initialization vector. Extraction of the initialization vector is necessary for deciphering communications between this application and the backend server. This, in combination with retrieving any user's encrypted data from the Ascensia cloud through another vulnerability, allows an attacker to obtain and modify any patient's medical information.

What is CVE-2018-18979?

Vulnerability found in the Android version of the Ascensia Contour NEXT ONE app before 2019-01-15
Utilizes a static initialization vector for decrypting communications
Allows unauthorized access to encrypted user data from the Ascensia cloud

The Impact of CVE-2018-18979

Enables attackers to access and manipulate medical information of any patient

Technical Details of CVE-2018-18979

The technical details of the CVE-2018-18979 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

Static initialization vector usage in the Ascensia Contour NEXT ONE app
Access to encrypted user data from the Ascensia cloud

Affected Systems and Versions

Ascensia Contour NEXT ONE app for Android before 2019-01-15

Exploitation Mechanism

Attacker can decrypt communications between the app and backend server
Unauthorized access to encrypted user data from the Ascensia cloud

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2018-18979, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Ascensia Contour NEXT ONE app to the latest version
Implement strong encryption practices for data transmission
Monitor for any unauthorized access to sensitive medical information

Longer-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
Train users on secure data handling practices
Implement multi-factor authentication for enhanced security

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Ascensia for the Contour NEXT ONE app
Stay informed about security best practices and industry updates