The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), the national nodal agency for responding to cybersecurity threats, has issued a vulnerability note (CIVN-2024-0355) highlighting an information disclosure vulnerability in Tinxy mobile application. This medium-severity flaw could allow attackers with physical access to a rooted or jailbroken device to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information such as usernames, email addresses, and mobile numbers.
Tinxy, a popular IoT device management app, is widely used by individuals to control their smart devices. The flaw, which affects all versions of the app prior to 663000, has raised concerns about the security of locally stored data. CERT-In has recommended immediate action to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability.
This article explores the details of the vulnerability, its impact, and how users can protect themselves while drawing attention to best practices for app developers to prevent such issues in the future.
Vulnerability in Tinxy Mobile Application: An Overview
- Vulnerability Name: Information Disclosure in Tinxy
- CERT-In Vulnerability Note: CIVN-2024-0355
- CVE Identifier: CVE-2024-12094
- Severity Rating: Medium
- System Affected:
- Tinxy app (all versions prior to 663000)
The primary targets for this vulnerability are end-users of the Tinxy app who use it to control IoT devices in their homes or workplaces. However, the risk is primarily limited to devices that are rooted or jailbroken, as exploitation requires physical access to the device.
Key Risk and Impact Assessment
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Risk Type | Information Disclosure |
| Exploitation Prerequisites | Device must be rooted or jailbroken. Physical access to the device is required. |
| Potential Impact | Unauthorized access to sensitive user information, including: |
| – Username | |
| – Email Address | |
| – Mobile Number |
Description of the Vulnerability
The vulnerability in Tinxy mobile application contains a flaw in how it stores user information. Specifically:
- Plaintext Storage of Sensitive Data:
Logged-in user details are stored in plaintext within the device’s database. This storage approach lacks encryption, making it vulnerable to direct access. - Exploitation Method:
An attacker with physical access to a rooted or jailbroken device could navigate the file system and retrieve this database, gaining unauthorized access to the stored user information. - Real-World Implications:
Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to:- Privacy violations, where personal user data is exposed.
- Potential misuse of sensitive data, including phishing or impersonation attacks.
This vulnerability cannot be exploited remotely. It requires a combination of physical access to the affected device and root/jailbreak privileges.
How Was the Vulnerability Discovered?
The vulnerability in Tinxy mobile application was reported by Shravan Singh, a cybersecurity researcher based in Mumbai, India. His discovery highlights the importance of scrutinizing app design for secure handling of sensitive data.
Mitigation Steps
To address this vulnerability, users should immediately update their Tinxy app to version 663000 or later. The updated version resolves the issue by implementing better data storage practices.
Steps to Update the Tinxy App:
- For Android Users:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for “Tinxy” or visit the link: Tinxy App on Play Store.
- Tap “Update” if the option is available.
- For iOS Users:
- Open the App Store.
- Search for “Tinxy” and update to the latest version.
Technical Details: Vulnerability Analysis
Below is a deeper breakdown of the vulnerability and its technical aspects:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Cause | Storage of user information in plaintext on the device’s database. |
| Exploitation Conditions | Device must be rooted or jailbroken. |
| Attack Vector | Physical access to the device followed by database extraction using file system navigation tools. |
| Type of Information Exposed | Username, email address, and mobile number. |
Understanding the CVSS Score
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) helps quantify the severity of vulnerabilities.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| CVSS Base Score | Medium |
| Attack Vector | Local (requires physical device access). |
| Privileges Required | High (device must be rooted or jailbroken). |
| User Interaction | None. |
| Impact | Confidentiality breach. |
Recommendations for Users
- Update to Version 663000: This is the official fix and eliminates the vulnerability.
- Avoid Rooting/Jailbreaking Devices: Rooted or jailbroken devices are more susceptible to such exploits.
- Use Strong Device Security: Implement passcodes, biometric locks, or encryption to restrict physical access.
- Monitor Device Activity: Regularly check for unusual app behavior or data leaks.
- Uninstall Suspicious Apps: Avoid using third-party or unverified apps that may tamper with device security.
For Developers: Lessons from This Vulnerability
The Tinxy vulnerability serves as a reminder for developers to adhere to best practices in securing user data:
- Encrypt All Sensitive Data: Ensure all user data stored locally is encrypted using strong encryption algorithms.
- Limit Data Retention: Store only what is absolutely necessary and delete redundant data promptly.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct frequent vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate flaws early.
- Secure Coding Practices: Implement OWASP-recommended secure coding standards.
- Educate Users: Encourage users to maintain secure devices by avoiding root/jailbreak practices.
Conclusion
The Tinxy information disclosure vulnerability (CVE-2024-12094) highlights the critical need for secure app development practices and proactive user behavior. While this vulnerability requires physical device access to exploit, the implications of sensitive data leakage cannot be understated.
By updating the app to the latest version, users can mitigate the risk and continue using Tinxy’s IoT management capabilities with confidence. Meanwhile, developers should treat this as a case study for enhancing app security and safeguarding user trust.
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