1. Introduction
The MobileIron Data Collection vulnerability involves the collection of all data from MobileIron systems. This poses a risk to business confidentiality as sensitive information could be exposed if accessed by unauthorised parties. Systems usually affected are those running MobileIron’s enterprise mobility management software. Impact on confidentiality is likely to be high, with integrity and availability potentially impacted depending on how collected data is used.
2. Technical Explanation
This plugin collects all data from MobileIron. The root cause is the comprehensive data collection functionality within the MobileIron platform itself. Exploitation involves running the plugin against a MobileIron instance to extract the data. There are no known CVEs associated with this specific data collection activity, but it represents a significant information disclosure risk. An attacker could use this collected data for reconnaissance or further attacks.
- Root cause: Comprehensive data collection functionality within MobileIron.
- Exploit mechanism: Running the plugin against a MobileIron instance to extract all available data.
- Scope: MobileIron enterprise mobility management systems.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming vulnerability involves checking for the presence of the data collection plugin and verifying its functionality. A quick check is to list installed plugins on the MobileIron server.
- Quick checks: Check the MobileIron administration console for a listing of installed plugins.
- Scanning: No common scanner signatures are available specifically for this vulnerability.
- Logs and evidence: Review MobileIron system logs for activity related to data collection plugin execution.
# Example command placeholder:
# List installed plugins via the MobileIron CLI (if available). Output will show if the Data Collection plugin is present.
4. Solution / Remediation Steps
Remediating this vulnerability requires disabling or removing the data collection plugin.
4.1 Preparation
- Ensure you have access credentials for the MobileIron administration console. A roll back plan is to restore from the pre-change snapshot.
- A change window may be required, depending on service impact. Approval should be obtained from the IT security team.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Log in to the MobileIron administration console.
- Step 2: Navigate to the Plugins section.
- Step 3: Locate the Data Collection plugin.
- Step 4: Disable or uninstall the Data Collection plugin.
- Step 5: Restart the MobileIron services.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
# Plugin status is enabled in the MobileIron console.
After
# Plugin status is disabled or removed from the MobileIron console.
4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
List only practices that directly address this vulnerability type. Use neutral wording and examples instead of fixed advice. For example: least privilege, input validation, safe defaults, secure headers, patch cadence. If a practice does not apply, do not include it.
- Practice 1: Least privilege to limit the scope of data accessible by plugins or users.
- Practice 2: Regular review of installed plugins and their permissions.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
# No automation is provided due to the lack of an API for plugin management in MobileIron. Manual disabling/removal is recommended.
5. Verification / Validation
Confirming the fix involves verifying that the data collection plugin is disabled and no longer collecting data.
- Post-fix check: Check the MobileIron administration console to confirm the Data Collection plugin is disabled or removed.
- Re-test: Re-run the earlier detection method (checking installed plugins) to ensure the plugin is no longer present.
- Smoke test: Verify core MobileIron functionality, such as device enrollment and policy application, continues to operate normally.
- Monitoring: Monitor MobileIron system logs for any unexpected data collection activity.
# Post-fix command and expected output:
# Check plugin status via the CLI (if available). Output should not show the Data Collection plugin.
6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Suggest only measures that are relevant to the vulnerability type. Use “for example” to keep advice conditional, not prescriptive.
- Baselines: Update a security baseline or policy to restrict the installation of unnecessary plugins on MobileIron systems.
- Pipelines: Implement a change management process for plugin installations and updates.
- Asset and patch process: Regularly review installed plugins as part of a vulnerability management program.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
- Risk or side effect 2: Incorrectly uninstalling plugins could cause system instability. Take a snapshot first.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: No specific vendor advisory available for this data collection activity. Refer to MobileIron documentation on plugin management.
- NVD or CVE entry: No CVE associated with this specific data collection activity.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: MobileIron Plugin Management Documentation.