CVE-2011-4705 in Blacklist Free
Summary
by MITRE
The Ming Blacklist Free (vc.software.blacklist) application 1.8.1 and 1.9.2.1 for Android does not properly protect data, which allows remote attackers to read or modify blacklists and a contact list via a crafted application that launches a "data-flow attack."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4705 affects the Ming Blacklist Free application version 1.8.1 and 1.9.2.1 for Android platforms, representing a critical security flaw in mobile application data protection mechanisms. This vulnerability stems from insufficient data protection measures within the application's architecture, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's weak security controls. The issue manifests through improper data handling practices that fail to establish adequate boundaries between application components and external entities, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's data structures.
The technical flaw resides in the application's failure to implement proper data flow controls and access restrictions, creating a data-flow attack vector that enables remote exploitation. This vulnerability specifically targets the blacklist and contact list data stored by the application, which are considered sensitive user information. The weakness allows attackers to craft malicious applications that can manipulate the data flow mechanisms within the legitimate application, effectively bypassing intended security controls. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 Access Control, which addresses improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to resources. The attack exploits the application's insufficient validation of data sources and lack of proper input sanitization, enabling attackers to inject malicious data flows that can read or modify the protected blacklisted contacts and user contact lists.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it compromises the integrity and confidentiality of user contact information and blacklist data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to personal contact lists, potentially enabling social engineering attacks, identity theft, or targeted phishing campaigns. The modification capability allows malicious actors to alter blacklisted contacts, potentially removing important security protections or adding malicious entries that could compromise user security. This vulnerability affects the fundamental trust model of the application, as it undermines the user's expectation that their contact data and blacklist information remain secure and unmodified. The attack scenario represents a classic example of how mobile applications can be exploited through data flow manipulation, where the legitimate application becomes a conduit for unauthorized data access.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper access controls and data flow restrictions within the application's architecture. Developers should implement robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent malicious data flows from being processed by the application. The application must enforce proper access control mechanisms that restrict data access based on legitimate user permissions and application context. Security measures should include implementing proper data encryption for sensitive information stored within the application, establishing secure communication channels, and implementing proper authentication mechanisms. Organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege for all application components and ensuring that data flow operations are properly validated and restricted. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing comprehensive security controls throughout the application development lifecycle, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's data protection techniques that emphasize the need for proper access control and data flow management.