In this deep-dive post, we will explore the details of CVE-2022-40703, an authentication bypass vulnerability that affects the AliveCor Kardia App version 5.17.1-754993421 and earlier on Android devices. This vulnerability stems from a CWE-302 (Authentication Bypass by Assumed-Immutable Data) issue where an unauthenticated attacker with physical access to the device can bypass authentication and alter information within the app.

First, let's briefly discuss the background and context of CVE-2022-40703. The AliveCor Kardia App is a popular application used by people worldwide to monitor their heart health through a connected EKG device. It is paramount that the data within this app remain secure and accurate, which is why this vulnerability is of particular concern.

The Technical Details

The exploit involves manipulating a specific piece of data in the app's local storage, which is assumed to be constant and unchangeable. By modifying this data, an attacker can bypass the app's authentication process and gain unauthorized access, potentially leading to further exploitation and unauthorized data alteration.

Here is a code snippet that demonstrates how the vulnerability can be triggered

['NewDataElement'] =  {
  'Name':'AuthToken',
  'Type':'string',
  'Value':'[ATTACKER_GENERATED_AUTH_TOKEN]'
}

In this example, the attacker creates a new data element named "AuthToken" with a value that they generate. This manipulated AuthToken replaces the original one, allowing an attacker to bypass the app's authentication and access the app's features without the need for a valid user credential.

For more information about the vulnerability, you can refer to the following sources

1. Official CVE information: CVE-2022-40703
2. CWE-302 Explanation: Authentication Bypass by Assumed-Immutable Data
3. AliveCor Kardia App in Google Play Store: AliveCor Kardia App for Android

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, users are recommended to update their AliveCor Kardia App to the latest version or ensure they are running a version above 5.17.1-754993421. Moreover, users should always download and install app updates from trusted sources, such as the Google Play Store, to minimize their exposure to vulnerabilities.

Developers, on the other hand, should explicitly check for the authenticity of data used in authentication processes and avoid relying on assumed-constant information. It is essential to ensure that secure coding practices are adhered to, for example, by following the recommendations set forth by the OWASP Mobile Security Project.

Conclusion

CVE-2022-40703 is a critical vulnerability affecting the AliveCor Kardia App on Android devices. It allows an unauthenticated attacker with physical access to bypass the app's authentication and modify its data. By understanding the exploit details and keeping the app updated, users can protect themselves from falling victim to this security flaw. On the developers' side, proper security practices, like validation and verification of data as part of the authentication process, can help prevent such vulnerabilities in the future.

Timeline

Published on: 10/26/2022 21:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 10/28/2022 19:41:00 UTC