CVE-2011-4698 in Easy Filter
Summary
by MITRE
The AndroidAppTools Easy Filter (com.phoneblocker.android) application 1.1 and 1.2 for Android does not properly protect data, which allows remote attackers to read or modify SMS messages and call records via a crafted application.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2018
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2011-4698 affects the AndroidAppTools Easy Filter application version 1.1 and 1.2, which is designed to provide mobile security filtering capabilities for android devices. This application serves as a protective layer for users by monitoring and controlling access to sensitive communication data including SMS messages and call records. The flaw lies in the application's insufficient data protection mechanisms that fail to establish proper security boundaries between the application and potentially malicious third-party software. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the application's security architecture that directly compromises user privacy and data integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the Easy Filter application. The application fails to properly validate or authenticate incoming data requests from other applications, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can craft specially designed applications to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data. This weakness specifically impacts the application's handling of inter-process communication channels, where proper security checks are missing from the data flow between the vulnerable application and external entities. The flaw operates at the system-level interface where application permissions and data access controls should be enforced but are instead bypassed through crafted malicious applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential compromise of user communication privacy and security. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read SMS messages and access call records without user consent or knowledge, creating significant privacy risks for affected users. The attack vector operates through the Android application ecosystem where malicious applications can exploit the weak security boundaries established by the Easy Filter application. This vulnerability directly enables data theft and surveillance capabilities that could be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or other malicious activities targeting the communications of affected users. The exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be accomplished through standard application development practices.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access control mechanisms and data protection measures within the application. The recommended approach includes establishing robust authentication and authorization protocols for all data access requests, implementing proper input validation for inter-process communication, and ensuring that sensitive data is properly isolated from unauthorized applications. Organizations should also implement proper application sandboxing techniques and enforce strict permission controls that limit data access to only authorized components. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential harvesting through malicious applications. Users should be advised to avoid installing untrusted applications and to regularly update security software to protect against exploitation of this class of vulnerability.