CVE-2011-0680 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
data/WorkingMessage.java in the Mms application in Android before 2.2.2 and 2.3.x before 2.3.2 does not properly manage the draft cache, which allows remote attackers to read SMS messages intended for other recipients in opportunistic circumstances via a standard text messaging service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-0680 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android messaging system that affects versions prior to 2.2.2 and 2.3.2. This issue resides in the data/WorkingMessage.java component of the Mms application, which handles the creation and management of draft messages within the Android messaging framework. The flaw stems from inadequate cache management practices that fail to properly isolate draft message data between different recipients, creating a scenario where sensitive information can be accessed by unauthorized parties through opportunistic exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic cache management error that aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper information exposure. The Mms application maintains draft messages in a working cache that is not properly cleared or isolated when transitioning between different messaging contexts. When a user composes a message to one recipient and then switches to compose a message to another recipient, the draft cache retains information from the previous message, including the content and potentially metadata. This improper cache handling creates a window of opportunity for attackers to access previously composed messages intended for different recipients through standard text messaging service interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a significant breach in Android's message confidentiality model. Attackers can exploit this flaw by initiating opportunistic attacks through standard text messaging service communications, potentially accessing sensitive personal information, financial data, or confidential business communications that were intended for specific recipients. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require special privileges or complex attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged through common messaging service interactions. This creates a persistent risk for users who may not be aware that their draft messages could be accessed by other parties during normal messaging operations.
The security implications of CVE-2011-0680 align with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers credentials in files, as the vulnerability enables unauthorized access to message content that may contain sensitive information. This flaw fundamentally undermines the privacy and confidentiality guarantees that users expect from their mobile messaging applications, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Android versions demonstrates a systemic issue in the messaging framework's cache management implementation, highlighting the need for more robust isolation mechanisms between different message contexts. Organizations and users should prioritize immediate patching of affected Android versions to mitigate this risk, while also implementing additional security controls to monitor for potential exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper cache management and information isolation in mobile applications. The flaw's exploitation through standard text messaging services indicates that even seemingly benign operations can create security risks when proper isolation mechanisms are not implemented. The affected Android versions represent a significant portion of the mobile user base at the time of discovery, amplifying the potential impact of this vulnerability. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of broader mobile security assessments, particularly focusing on cache management practices and information flow controls within messaging and communication applications. The remediation process requires careful attention to ensure that draft cache isolation mechanisms are properly implemented and tested across different messaging scenarios.