CVE-2007-3483 in BlackBerry Enterprise Server
Summary
by MITRE
Research in Motion BlackBerry Enterprise Server 4.0 through 4.1 has a default configuration that permits installation of arbitrary third-party applications on BlackBerry devices, which might facilitate loading of malware.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3483 affects Research in Motion BlackBerry Enterprise Server versions 4.0 through 4.1, representing a critical security flaw in enterprise mobile device management systems. This issue stems from a default configuration that fails to properly restrict application installation privileges on BlackBerry devices, creating an avenue for malicious actors to deploy unauthorized software. The vulnerability is particularly concerning within enterprise environments where BlackBerry devices are commonly used for secure communications and business operations. The default settings allow for third-party application installation without adequate verification or approval processes, effectively bypassing the security controls designed to protect corporate networks and data. This flaw represents a significant deviation from secure configuration practices and demonstrates the importance of proper default security settings in enterprise mobility management solutions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the BlackBerry Enterprise Server's handling of application deployment policies and device management configurations. When the server is configured with default settings, it does not enforce strict controls over which applications can be installed on managed devices. This configuration allows for the installation of applications from untrusted sources, potentially enabling attackers to load malware directly onto BlackBerry devices. The flaw operates at the enterprise server level rather than the device itself, making it a server-side configuration issue that affects multiple devices managed by the same enterprise server instance. This architecture means that a single misconfiguration can potentially compromise numerous devices within an organization, amplifying the impact of the vulnerability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges and access control, and represents a failure in secure default configuration practices that should be implemented according to security best practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-3483 extends beyond simple application installation, as it creates potential entry points for various forms of malware and malicious software. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to install keyloggers, spyware, or other malicious applications that could compromise sensitive corporate data and communications. The vulnerability enables threat actors to potentially establish persistent access points on BlackBerry devices, which could then be used to conduct further attacks or exfiltrate data from the enterprise network. Organizations using BlackBerry Enterprise Server in this vulnerable state face increased risk of data breaches, insider threats, and compromised device integrity. The vulnerability also impacts the overall security posture of enterprises that rely on BlackBerry devices for business-critical communications, as it undermines the trust model that these devices are designed to provide. This flaw directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1195 which covers content injection, and T1059 which addresses command and scripting interpreters, as malicious applications could be used to establish command and control channels or execute additional payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3483 require immediate attention from enterprise security teams and involve comprehensive configuration reviews of BlackBerry Enterprise Server deployments. Organizations must modify the default server configuration to enforce strict application approval processes and disable automatic third-party application installation capabilities. Security administrators should implement proper application whitelisting policies that only permit installation of pre-approved applications from trusted sources. The recommended approach includes disabling the automatic application installation feature, implementing mandatory application approval workflows, and establishing regular configuration audits to ensure compliance with security policies. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unauthorized application installations and suspicious device behavior. Additionally, enterprises should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that provide more granular control over application deployment and device configuration. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining updated security configurations and demonstrates the necessity of regular security assessments to identify and remediate misconfigurations that could lead to significant security risks. Organizations should also implement security awareness training for administrators to prevent accidental misconfigurations that could leave systems vulnerable to exploitation.