CVE-2021-25266 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-25266, an insecure data storage vulnerability in Sophos Authenticator and Intercept X for Mobile (Android) allowing attackers to access TOTP secret keys. Understand the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
An insecure data storage vulnerability allows a physical attacker with root privileges to retrieve TOTP secret keys from unlocked phones in Sophos Authenticator for Android version 3.4 and older, and Intercept X for Mobile (Android) before version 9.7.3495.
Understanding CVE-2021-25266
This CVE identifies an insecure data storage vulnerability in Sophos Authenticator and Intercept X for Mobile (Android) that could enable a physical attacker to extract TOTP secret keys from vulnerable devices.
What is CVE-2021-25266?
The CVE-2021-25266 vulnerability pertains to an insecure data storage issue that affects Sophos Authenticator for Android versions 3.4 and earlier, as well as Intercept X for Mobile (Android) versions prior to 9.7.3495. It allows a malicious actor with root access to retrieve TOTP secret keys from unlocked devices.
The Impact of CVE-2021-25266
The impact of CVE-2021-25266 is rated as low severity, with high confidentiality impact. An attacker with root privileges could potentially retrieve sensitive TOTP secret keys from unlocked devices running the affected Sophos applications.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-25266
This section outlines the specific technical details related to CVE-2021-25266.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability involves insecure data storage, enabling a physical attacker to access TOTP secret keys on unlocked devices.
Affected Systems and Versions
Sophos Authenticator (Android) versions 3.4 and below, as well as Intercept X for Mobile (Android) versions prior to 9.7.3495 are impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
An attacker with root privileges physically accessing a vulnerable device can exploit this flaw to retrieve TOTP secret keys.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2021-25266, consider the following mitigation and prevention strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
Users should update Sophos Authenticator for Android to version 3.5 or newer, and Intercept X for Mobile (Android) to version 9.7.3495 or above. Additionally, users are advised to secure their devices to prevent unauthorized physical access.
Long-Term Security Practices
To enhance security in the long term, users should regularly update their software, enable device encryption, and employ strong authentication measures.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security updates released by Sophos and apply patches promptly to protect against known vulnerabilities.