CVE-2011-4864 in MobileQQ
Summary
by MITRE
The Tencent MobileQQ (com.tencent.mobileqq) application 2.2 for Android does not properly protect data, which allows remote attackers to read or modify messages and a friends list via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4864 represents a critical security flaw in Tencent MobileQQ version 2.2 for Android platforms. This weakness stems from inadequate data protection mechanisms within the application's architecture, creating exploitable conditions that enable malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information. The vulnerability specifically affects the mobile messaging application's handling of communication data, potentially compromising the confidentiality and integrity of user messages and contact information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly secure data transmission and storage processes. Attackers can exploit this weakness through the deployment of a crafted malicious application that leverages the insufficient security controls to intercept, read, or modify communication data. The flaw essentially allows for privilege escalation through the manipulation of data access controls, bypassing the intended security boundaries that should protect user communications. This vulnerability operates at the application level and specifically targets the data protection mechanisms that should safeguard sensitive information during transmission and storage phases.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to user privacy and data integrity. The ability for remote attackers to read messages and modify friend lists creates potential for identity theft, social engineering attacks, and unauthorized communication manipulation. The compromised data could be used for targeted phishing campaigns, financial fraud, or other malicious activities that exploit the trust relationships established through the messaging application. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to devices, making it particularly dangerous for mobile users who may be targeted while using public networks or unsecured connections.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-311, which addresses the absence of proper data protection mechanisms, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in mobile application security. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this as a data exposure technique, where adversaries exploit application flaws to access sensitive information. Mitigation strategies should include immediate application updates from Tencent, implementation of network monitoring to detect anomalous data access patterns, and user education regarding the risks of installing untrusted applications. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can monitor for suspicious application behavior and enforce security policies that prevent unauthorized data access. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper data protection mechanisms in mobile applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the application development lifecycle.