Overview
In late 2023, a security vulnerability was discovered in ScaleFusion 10.5.2, a widely-used mobile device management (MDM) solution for managing Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS devices in enterprise environments. The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2023-51749, allows local users to bypass enforced application restrictions intended to lock the device down to a single approved app — specifically Microsoft Edge — using a tooltip search trick.
This blog breaks down how the flaw works, what caused it, and how you can mitigate it.
What Is CVE-2023-51749?
CVE-2023-51749 is a local bypass vulnerability affecting Windows devices enrolled under ScaleFusion’s MDM policies. It stems from a loophole in how tooltips within the Edge browser can allow interaction beyond the application’s scope, enabling users to initiate searches or launch unintended interfaces — effectively escaping the single-app lockdown.
Exploit Impact
This means that, under certain configurations, a user can:
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Escape the Edge browser (even when it’s the only app allowed)
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Initiate actions or open apps that should otherwise be restricted
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Access system features that violate the intended locked-down environment
While this exploit requires physical access to the device, its ability to bypass corporate policies and undermine security postures makes it a notable threat for managed device fleets.
No phone number, email, or personal info required.
How It Works (Conceptual View)
The vulnerability does not exploit a bug in Edge or Windows directly — rather, it leverages the tooltip-based search bar within Edge as a pivot point. A user could right-click on a UI element or text within Edge, initiate a search or action via a tooltip, and from there, trigger a context that breaks the single-app enforcement.
This technique relies on interaction chains that were not effectively sandboxed by the ScaleFusion lockdown logic in version 10.5.2.
Affected Versions
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ScaleFusion MDM for Windows — version 10.5.2
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Other platforms (Android, iOS, macOS) are not affected
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This issue only occurs under certain custom lockdown configurations
Vendor Response
ScaleFusion has acknowledged the issue and stated that:
“This vulnerability does not exist when devices are configured with the default Windows device profile, which uses modern management with allow-listing rules.”
This implies that custom or legacy profile configurations are more susceptible to the issue.
How to Mitigate
If you’re a ScaleFusion administrator or IT manager, here’s what you can do:
Update to the Latest Version
Ensure you’re running the most recent version of ScaleFusion, which contains updated lockdown logic.
Use Default Windows Device Profiles
Use the modern management profile with website allow-listing, as recommended by ScaleFusion.
Reevaluate Custom Configurations
If you’re using a non-default or legacy configuration:
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Review all allowed apps and context-sensitive features
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Test kiosk lockdowns using real user interaction paths
Monitor Device Behavior
Use device analytics or audit logs to identify suspicious app usage patterns that may indicate a bypass attempt.
Why This Matters
MDM platforms are the cornerstone of enterprise mobility, and their security is critical. Flaws like CVE-2023-51749 demonstrate how unexpected UI pathways (like tooltips) can become weak links in an otherwise strong policy enforcement chain.
For organizations in healthcare, education, retail, and logistics — where kiosk or single-app modes are common — these bypasses can lead to:
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Unauthorized data access
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Exposure of PII or sensitive data
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Compliance violations
Final Thoughts
While CVE-2023-51749 is not a remote code execution vulnerability or system takeover, it highlights the nuanced challenges in endpoint lockdown mechanisms. As more enterprises rely on tools like ScaleFusion, continuous testing, and validation of enforced restrictions becomes crucial.
Security is not just about locking doors — it’s about making sure the windows are secure too.