CVE-2019-12171 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Dropbox.exe and QtWebEngineProcess.exe in the Dropbox desktop application version 71.4.108.0 store clear text credentials in memory, posing a security risk.

Understanding CVE-2019-12171

When using the Dropbox desktop application version 71.4.108.0, sensitive information is stored insecurely in memory, potentially exposing user credentials.

What is CVE-2019-12171?

The vulnerability in Dropbox.exe and QtWebEngineProcess.exe allows clear text credentials to remain in memory after successful login or account creation, without proper secure clearance.

The Impact of CVE-2019-12171

The stored credentials in memory could be accessed by malicious actors, leading to unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-12171

The technical aspects of the vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

Dropbox.exe and QtWebEngineProcess.exe store clear text credentials in memory.
Credentials are not securely cleared within the active process.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Dropbox desktop application
Version: 71.4.108.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to access stored credentials in memory, compromising user accounts.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-12171, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Dropbox to the latest version to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid storing sensitive information in the application while the issue persists.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement multi-factor authentication for enhanced security.
Regularly monitor and audit access to sensitive data.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from Dropbox and apply patches promptly to address vulnerabilities.