CVE-2011-4863 in QQPimSecure
Summary
by MITRE
The Tencent QQPimSecure (com.tencent.qqpimsecure) application 3.0.2 for Android does not properly protect data, which allows remote attackers to read or modify SMS/MMS 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-2011-4863 affects Tencent QQPimSecure version 3.0.2 on Android devices, representing a critical security flaw in mobile data protection mechanisms. This application serves as a security suite designed to protect user data on Android smartphones, yet it contains a fundamental weakness that undermines its protective capabilities. The vulnerability stems from improper data protection implementation that fails to establish adequate security boundaries between the application and potentially malicious third-party software. The flaw specifically impacts the handling of sensitive user data including SMS/MMS messages and contact lists, which are stored in a manner that allows unauthorized access through specially crafted applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be classified under CWE-284, which deals with improper access control, and CWE-311, concerning missing encryption of sensitive data. The vulnerability occurs because the QQPimSecure application does not properly enforce security permissions or data isolation mechanisms when processing sensitive information. Attackers can exploit this weakness by installing a malicious application that leverages the flawed permission model to gain unauthorized access to the protected data. The vulnerability does not require physical access to the device or complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through simple application installation. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor that allows remote attackers to bypass the application's intended security measures and directly access user communications and personal contact information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it compromises the fundamental security model of the Android platform and user privacy expectations. Users who install the vulnerable application become susceptible to various forms of malicious activity including identity theft, social engineering attacks, and targeted harassment through access to their complete contact lists and communication history. The vulnerability affects all users of the specific application version regardless of their technical expertise, making it a widespread concern that impacts both individual privacy and corporate security. The nature of the flaw means that even legitimate applications could potentially be compromised if they interact with the vulnerable data storage mechanisms, creating cascading security risks throughout the device ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate application updates and comprehensive security policy implementation. Users must upgrade to the patched version of QQPimSecure as soon as possible, while system administrators should implement strict application vetting procedures before deployment. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper application sandboxing and data encryption practices, which align with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for unsecured credentials and T1070.004 for indicator removal. Organizations should implement mobile device management policies that restrict the installation of third-party applications and enforce regular security audits of installed applications. Additionally, the vulnerability underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Mobile Top 10, particularly focusing on proper data protection and access control implementation. System-level protections should include runtime application integrity checks and monitoring for unauthorized data access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.