CVE-2011-4772 in KouXin
Summary
by MITRE
The 360 KouXin (com.qihoo360.kouxin) application 1.5.3 for Android does not properly protect data, which allows remote attackers to read or modify SMS messages and a contact list via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4772 represents a critical security flaw in the 360 KouXin application version 1.5.3 for Android devices. This application, developed by Qihoo 360, was designed to provide security and optimization services for mobile devices but contained a significant weakness in its data protection mechanisms. The flaw stems from inadequate permission handling and insufficient data isolation within the application's architecture, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's security model.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate sensitive user data through a specially crafted malicious application. The flaw specifically targets the application's handling of SMS messages and contact lists, which are typically protected by Android's security model and require explicit user permissions for access. The vulnerability occurs due to improper validation of data access requests and failure to enforce proper security boundaries between applications. This weakness enables attackers to bypass the normal Android permission system and gain unauthorized access to personal communication data.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to user privacy and data integrity. The ability to read and modify SMS messages exposes users to potential financial fraud, identity theft, and social engineering attacks. Contact list manipulation can lead to targeted phishing campaigns and the disruption of personal communication networks. The remote nature of the attack means that users do not need to interact with malicious content directly, making detection and prevention more challenging. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in mobile security architecture.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates weaknesses in Android's application sandboxing model and highlights the importance of proper security implementation in third-party applications. Attackers can leverage this flaw to create malicious applications that appear legitimate while secretly accessing sensitive user data. The attack vector involves crafting a malicious application that can communicate with the vulnerable 360 KouXin application through inter-process communication mechanisms, exploiting the lack of proper data validation and access control enforcement. This scenario represents a classic case of privilege escalation and data leakage, where an application with seemingly limited functionality can be used as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should include immediate application updates from the vendor, proper implementation of Android permission models, and enhanced data protection mechanisms within mobile applications. Users should be advised to avoid installing applications from untrusted sources and to regularly update their security applications. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of security audits and proper code review processes for mobile applications, particularly those handling sensitive user data. Organizations implementing mobile security policies should consider the broader implications of third-party applications and ensure proper security controls are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from compromising user data. This case serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust security practices in mobile application development and the potential consequences of inadequate data protection mechanisms in security-focused applications.