CVE-2007-5778 in Mobile-spy
Summary
by MITRE
Mobile Spy (1) stores login credentials in cleartext under the RetinaxStudios registry key, and (2) sends login credentials and log data over a cleartext HTTP connection, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading the registry or sniffing the network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2017
This vulnerability resides in Mobile Spy version 1.0 and represents a critical security flaw that exposes user credentials and sensitive data through multiple attack vectors. The vulnerability stems from poor security practices in credential storage and network communication protocols. Mobile Spy incorrectly stores login credentials in cleartext format within the Windows registry under the RetinaxStudios key, creating an easily accessible repository of authentication information for any local user or attacker with registry access. This cleartext storage approach directly violates security best practices and industry standards such as those outlined in CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage. The vulnerability extends beyond local storage issues as the application also transmits login credentials and log data over unencrypted HTTP connections, making the information susceptible to network sniffing attacks and man-in-the-middle operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of secure coding practices and network security principles. When Mobile Spy establishes its network connections, it fails to implement any form of encryption or secure communication protocols, leaving all transmitted data vulnerable to interception. This cleartext transmission pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol: web protocols, where attackers can easily capture and analyze network traffic to extract sensitive information. The combination of local cleartext storage and network transmission creates a complete attack surface where an adversary can gain access to user credentials through either registry enumeration or network monitoring, without requiring advanced technical skills or specialized tools.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple credential theft, as it enables comprehensive surveillance capabilities that can be exploited for identity theft, financial fraud, and privacy violations. An attacker who gains access to the registry can immediately extract all stored login information without requiring additional authentication mechanisms, while network sniffing allows for real-time capture of new credentials as they are transmitted. This dual exposure creates multiple attack pathways that significantly reduce the attack surface complexity for threat actors. The vulnerability particularly affects mobile device users who may not be aware of the application's security flaws, as the malicious software operates in the background without user knowledge. The security implications are compounded by the fact that this vulnerability exists in a surveillance application, meaning that legitimate users may unknowingly provide attackers with access to their own surveillance data, creating a dangerous escalation of compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through multiple security layers. Organizations should implement registry access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized access to the RetinaxStudios key, while network administrators must deploy traffic inspection and encryption enforcement mechanisms to prevent cleartext HTTP communication. The most effective remediation involves updating Mobile Spy to implement proper credential storage using encrypted databases or secure key management systems, along with enforcing HTTPS communication protocols for all network transmissions. Security controls should also include regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar cleartext storage patterns in other applications. From an ATT&CK perspective, implementing network traffic analysis and registry monitoring capabilities provides defense-in-depth against this class of vulnerabilities, while adherence to secure coding standards such as those defined in CWE-312 ensures that future development avoids similar security flaws. The remediation process must also include user education regarding the risks of installing untrusted surveillance applications and the importance of verifying application security before deployment.