CVE-2026-9222: Setracker2 Android App Password Hash Authentication Bypass

Technical summary

CVE-2026-9222 stems from improper credential validation in the Setracker2 Android app's backend authentication mechanism. The vulnerability exists in versions 3.1.5 and prior of com.tgelec.setracker. Rather than implementing salted hashing with server-side verification of the plaintext password, the application accepts the password hash itself as the authentication credential. This violates the principle of credential transmission security and creates a situation where the hash becomes equivalent to the password. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.1 (HIGH) reflects the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact achievable through network-based exploitation without user interaction, though exploitation requires knowledge of a valid hash (CVSS vector: AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).

Business impact

Compromise of user accounts in Setracker2 could expose sensitive data associated with tracked devices—likely location information, device settings, and personal usage patterns. Attackers gaining unauthorized access may modify account settings, intercept location streams in real-time, or lock legitimate users out of their accounts. The reputational and legal impact depends on the user base and regulatory jurisdiction; if the app tracks minors or vulnerable populations, the consequences are severe. Downstream liability for inadequate authentication practices may trigger regulatory scrutiny and user notification obligations.

Affected systems

The Setracker2 Android Companion App (package name: com.tgelec.setracker) in versions 3.1.5 and earlier is affected. This is a mobile application; the vulnerability resides in the client-side authentication logic and how it communicates with backend services. The exact scope of backend systems accepting hash-only authentication should be confirmed through the vendor, as the vulnerability may affect all users of this app version interacting with any Setracker2 backend.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires an attacker to obtain a valid password hash for a target account. Hashes may be acquired through network traffic interception (if the app transmits hashes over unencrypted channels or with insufficient TLS validation), compromised user devices, or backend database breaches. The CVSS scoring indicates moderate attack complexity (AC:H), meaning some barriers exist—likely the need to intercept or exfiltrate the hash—but no user interaction or privileges are required once a hash is known. Real-world exploitation likelihood depends on whether hashes are exposed in public databases or dark web leaks.

Remediation

Users should immediately update the Setracker2 Android app to a version later than 3.1.5 that implements proper password authentication. Verify against the vendor advisory for the exact patched version. In the interim, users should change their Setracker2 password and monitor account activity for unauthorized access. Organizations operating Setracker2 infrastructure should audit logs for suspicious authentication patterns and consider enforcing additional controls such as IP whitelisting or multi-factor authentication if available.

Patch guidance

Check the official Setracker2 or TG Electronics app store listings for a patched version released after the vulnerability disclosure (June 2026 onwards). Patches should implement proper salted-hash password verification on the backend and eliminate acceptance of raw hashes as credentials. Verify the updated version number against the vendor's official advisory before deployment. Coordinate testing in a staging environment to ensure compatibility with your backend infrastructure before rolling out to all users.

Detection guidance

Monitor Setracker2 app logs and backend authentication systems for anomalies such as: authentication attempts from unusual IP geographies or times, successful logins followed immediately by account modifications, or bulk authentication requests using hashes without corresponding password change events. Deploy network traffic analysis to identify unencrypted or suspicious transmission of password hashes between client and server. If you operate the Setracker2 backend, audit whether any authentication bypass patterns correlate with user complaints about account compromise.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability scores HIGH (8.1) due to the complete circumvention of password-based authentication, enabling full account takeover with high impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability. While exploitation requires knowledge of a valid hash (limiting initial attack surface), once a hash is known or leaked, it becomes a permanent credential for that account until a password change occurs. The vulnerability affects a mobile app with potentially many users, and the sensitivity of location and device data compounds the business risk. Prioritize patching in environments where Setracker2 is deployed to track critical assets or vulnerable populations.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.1 reflects: network-accessible attack surface (AV:N), moderate complexity due to the need to obtain a valid hash (AC:H), no authentication prerequisite for the attacker (PR:N), no user interaction required (UI:N), unchanged scope of confidentiality/integrity/availability impact (S:U), and high impact on all three security properties (C:H/I:H/A:H). The score appropriately weighs the severity of account takeover against the barrier of needing hash knowledge. Organizations storing or tracking sensitive data should treat this as a critical issue despite the AC:H component, as hash leaks are increasingly common.

Frequently asked questions