CVE-2021-25508:Improper privilege management vulnerability in SmartThings API Key allows unauthorized API access.

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Description Preview

A vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-25508 affects Samsung SmartThings versions prior to 1.7.73.22. The issue involves improper privilege management of API keys, which allows attackers to abuse the API key without any limitations. This vulnerability is classified as CWE-269 (Improper Privilege Management) and could potentially allow unauthorized access to SmartThings functionality and data.

Overview

This vulnerability exists in Samsung SmartThings versions before 1.7.73.22. The core issue is that the application fails to properly restrict or manage the privileges associated with API keys. As a result, an attacker who gains access to an API key can use it without the intended restrictions or limitations that should be in place. This could potentially allow unauthorized control of SmartThings-connected devices, access to sensitive information, or other unintended operations within the SmartThings ecosystem. The vulnerability represents a significant security risk for users of affected SmartThings versions, particularly in smart home environments where physical security and privacy are concerns.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, users should:

  1. Update their SmartThings application to version 1.7.73.22 or later.
  2. Check for and install any security updates provided by Samsung for SmartThings.
  3. Review and rotate any existing API keys if possible.
  4. Monitor for any unusual activity that might indicate unauthorized access.
  5. Consider implementing additional security measures such as network segmentation for IoT devices.

For developers using SmartThings APIs:

  1. Implement proper API key validation and privilege checking in your applications.
  2. Apply the principle of least privilege when requesting API access.
  3. Regularly rotate API keys and implement proper key management practices.

References

  1. Samsung Mobile Security Web Service: https://security.samsungmobile.com/serviceWeb.smsb?year=2021&month=11
  2. CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/269.html
  3. Samsung Security Updates - November 2021

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction
    Construction
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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