CVE-2011-4701 in CallConfirm
Summary
by MITRE
The CallConfirm (jp.gr.java_conf.ofnhwx.callconfirm) application 2.0.0 for Android does not properly protect data, which allows remote attackers to read or modify allow/block lists via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4701 affects the CallConfirm Android application version 2.0.0, which is designed to manage call permissions and control access to phone functionality. This application implements a security mechanism that allows users to configure allow and block lists for incoming calls, providing a layer of protection against unwanted communications. The flaw stems from insufficient data protection measures within the application's architecture, creating a security gap that remote attackers can exploit to manipulate the core functionality of the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper data protection mechanisms that fail to adequately secure sensitive information stored within the application's data structures. Attackers can craft malicious applications that exploit the application's insufficient access controls to read or modify the allow and block lists that govern call permissions. This represents a critical weakness in the application's security model, as it allows unauthorized entities to gain access to sensitive user data and potentially compromise the security of the device. The vulnerability manifests through the application's failure to implement proper input validation, access controls, or data encryption mechanisms that would normally protect such sensitive configuration data from external interference.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security implications for Android users who rely on the CallConfirm application for call management. The ability for remote attackers to modify allow and block lists means that malicious actors could potentially block legitimate calls while allowing unwanted communications to proceed unchecked. This could lead to various security incidents including denial of service attacks, unauthorized access to communication channels, or even more sophisticated social engineering campaigns that exploit the compromised call management system. The impact extends beyond simple inconvenience to potentially serious security breaches that could compromise user privacy and device integrity.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and CWE-255, which covers credentials management flaws, as the application fails to properly protect sensitive user data. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as attackers can leverage the compromised application to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The flaw also corresponds to T1566.001 for phishing and T1566.002 for spearphishing, as attackers could craft malicious applications that exploit this vulnerability to manipulate call permissions and potentially harvest sensitive information.
Effective mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application updates that implement proper data protection mechanisms including secure data storage, proper access controls, and robust input validation. System administrators should ensure that all instances of the CallConfirm application are updated to versions that address these security flaws. Users should be advised to avoid installing untrusted applications that may exploit this vulnerability and to regularly update their Android systems. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring to detect suspicious application behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to identify similar security gaps in other applications and implementation of secure coding practices that prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future development cycles.