CVE-2008-3552 in Series 40
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unspecified vulnerabilities in Nokia Series 40 3rd edition FP1, and possibly later devices, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors, probably related to MIDP privilege escalation and persistent MIDlets, aka "ISSUES 11-15." NOTE: as of 20080807, the only disclosure is a vague pre-advisory with no actionable information. However, because it is from a company led by a well-known researcher, it is being assigned a CVE identifier for tracking purposes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3552 represents a critical security flaw affecting Nokia Series 40 3rd edition FP1 devices and potentially subsequent models within the same product line. This issue falls under the category of unspecified vulnerabilities that pose significant risks to mobile device security, particularly in the context of Java-based mobile applications. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue that could potentially allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices, making it a severe concern for mobile security professionals and device manufacturers. The lack of detailed technical information at the time of CVE assignment, as noted in the original description, underscores the complexity and potentially sophisticated nature of the flaw.
The technical nature of this vulnerability appears to be rooted in the Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP) implementation within Nokia Series 40 devices, specifically relating to privilege escalation mechanisms and persistent MIDlets functionality. CWE-264, which covers permissions, privileges, and access control issues, directly applies to this scenario as the vulnerability likely involves improper handling of application privileges or access controls within the MIDP framework. The persistent MIDlets aspect suggests that the flaw may involve mechanisms that allow applications to maintain elevated privileges or persistent access beyond normal operational boundaries, creating potential attack vectors for malicious code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents substantial risks to users of affected Nokia devices, as remote code execution capabilities could enable attackers to gain complete control over the mobile device without physical access or user interaction. The fact that this vulnerability affects the Series 40 platform, which was widely deployed in mobile phones during that era, amplifies the potential impact across a large user base. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability is related to MIDP privilege escalation, which could potentially allow attackers to bypass security mechanisms designed to protect against malicious applications. The lack of actionable information in the initial disclosure, while problematic for immediate remediation, indicates that the vulnerability likely involves complex interactions within the device's security architecture.
The security implications extend beyond simple code execution to encompass broader system compromise possibilities, as the vulnerability may enable attackers to manipulate device functionality, access sensitive user data, or potentially install persistent backdoors. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as the ability to execute arbitrary code opens pathways for various malicious activities. The vulnerability's classification as potentially affecting later versions of the Series 40 platform suggests a fundamental flaw in the security model rather than an isolated incident, making it particularly dangerous from a long-term security perspective. Organizations and individuals using these devices would need to implement comprehensive security monitoring and potentially consider device replacement or firmware updates when available. The vulnerability's assignment to the broader category of privilege escalation issues indicates that the security boundaries within the MIDP implementation were not properly enforced, creating opportunities for unauthorized code execution that could compromise the entire device.