CVE-2011-4771 in Scan to PDF Free
Summary
by MITRE
The Scan to PDF Free (com.scan.to.pdf.trial) application 2.0.4 for Android does not properly protect data, which allows remote attackers to read or modify scanned files and a Google account via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4771 affects the Scan to PDF Free Android application version 2.0.4, specifically targeting the application's inadequate data protection mechanisms. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that compromises both data integrity and confidentiality within the mobile environment. The application's failure to implement proper security controls creates an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information and manipulate scanned documents.
The technical implementation flaw stems from insufficient data protection measures within the application's architecture, particularly concerning how it handles scanned files and user account information. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the application's data handling processes through a crafted malicious application, bypassing normal security boundaries. This weakness manifests in the application's inability to properly validate or secure data transfers, creating opportunities for data interception, modification, or unauthorized access to Google account credentials and scanned document contents. The flaw operates at the application layer where data is processed and stored, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect both locally stored documents and cloud-based account information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it enables comprehensive compromise of user data and account security. Attackers can not only read scanned files but also modify them, potentially leading to document forgery or corruption of important business or personal records. The Google account access component creates additional risk by potentially enabling credential theft, unauthorized access to cloud storage, and further exploitation of the compromised account. This vulnerability affects the principle of least privilege and data integrity, as the application fails to properly isolate and secure user data from malicious applications that may attempt to exploit the weakness.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) categories, indicating weaknesses in both data protection and authentication mechanisms. The attack vector operates through remote code execution or manipulation of the application's data handling processes, potentially mapping to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) or similar lateral movement techniques when exploited. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of broader mobile application security assessments, particularly in environments where sensitive data scanning and document processing occurs. The lack of proper input validation and data sanitization creates an environment where malicious actors can inject crafted applications that exploit these gaps to access or modify protected information.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper data encryption for scanned documents, enforcing secure authentication mechanisms for Google account access, and establishing robust application sandboxing controls. Mobile device management solutions should be deployed to monitor and control application behavior, while network monitoring tools can help detect unauthorized data access attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of mobile applications are essential to identify similar weaknesses in other applications. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of keeping applications updated with security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper security controls in mobile applications, particularly those handling sensitive data and user account information.