CVE-2008-5827 in 6131 Nfc
Summary
by MITRE
The Nokia 6131 Near Field Communication (NFC) phone with 05.12 firmware automatically installs software upon completing the download of a JAR file, which makes it easier for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted URI record in an NDEF tag.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5827 represents a critical security flaw in the Nokia 6131 smartphone's implementation of Near Field Communication technology. This issue stems from the device's automatic software installation mechanism that triggers upon completion of JAR file downloads, creating an exploitable condition that adversaries can leverage for remote code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects the 05.12 firmware version and demonstrates a fundamental flaw in how the device handles NFC data processing and software deployment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format) tags containing crafted URI records. When a user comes into proximity with an maliciously constructed NFC tag, the phone's NFC stack processes the URI record and automatically initiates a JAR file download from the specified location. The flaw lies in the lack of proper validation and user confirmation mechanisms during this automatic process, allowing attackers to bypass normal security controls that would typically require explicit user consent before installing applications. This behavior aligns with CWE-807, which describes "Reliance on Untrusted Inputs in a Security Decision" and represents a classic case of insufficient input validation in security-critical contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass a broader range of malicious activities that can be performed by attackers. Since the installation occurs automatically without user intervention, an attacker could potentially deploy malware, backdoors, or other malicious software that could compromise the device's integrity and confidentiality. The automatic nature of the installation also means that users are unlikely to be aware of the malicious activity until significant damage has been done. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to mobile device security and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" when considering the potential for privilege escalation through automatic software installation.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical expertise and can be accomplished through simple NFC tag crafting, making it particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios. Attackers could place malicious NFC tags in public locations where users might interact with them, such as transportation hubs, retail stores, or public buildings. The automatic nature of the installation process means that even users who are security-conscious and avoid downloading files from untrusted sources could be compromised simply by coming into contact with a malicious NFC tag. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and user consent mechanisms in mobile security implementations, particularly when dealing with automatic installation processes that can bypass traditional security controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security flaw and broader architectural issues in mobile device security. Device manufacturers should implement proper input validation for NFC data processing, require explicit user confirmation before automatic software installations, and ensure that all downloaded content undergoes proper security scanning before installation. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of mobile device components, particularly those that automatically process external data without user interaction. Organizations should consider implementing NFC security policies that limit automatic installations and educate users about the risks associated with NFC technology. Additionally, firmware updates should be deployed immediately to address the vulnerability, and security researchers should continue monitoring for similar issues in other mobile device implementations that may exhibit similar automatic installation behaviors.