CVE-2011-4866 in Kaixin001
Summary
by MITRE
The Kaixin001 (com.kaixin001.activity) application 1.3.1 and 1.3.3 for Android does not properly protect data, which allows remote attackers to read or modify contact information and a cleartext password via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4866 affects the Kaixin001 Android application version 1.3.1 and 1.3.3, representing a critical security flaw in data protection mechanisms. This issue stems from inadequate implementation of security controls within the application's data handling processes, creating exploitable pathways for malicious actors to access sensitive user information. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's failure to properly secure contact data and cleartext passwords, which are fundamental components of user privacy and authentication within mobile applications. The flaw manifests through a crafted application that can manipulate the vulnerable application's data access mechanisms, demonstrating a significant weakness in the application's security architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's improper handling of sensitive data storage and transmission protocols. The flaw allows attackers to exploit the application's data protection mechanisms through a malicious third-party application, effectively bypassing the security controls that should normally prevent unauthorized access to user contact information and authentication credentials. This represents a failure in proper input validation and data protection implementation, where sensitive information is stored or transmitted in an unencrypted format. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway demonstrates the absence of proper access controls and data isolation mechanisms within the application's architecture, creating opportunities for data interception and modification attacks. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-312, which addresses cleartext storage of sensitive information, and CWE-200, which covers exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4866 extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing potential identity theft, unauthorized account access, and privacy violations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read contact information, which may contain personal relationships, business connections, or sensitive communication channels that could be exploited for social engineering attacks. The cleartext password exposure creates direct pathways for account takeover and unauthorized system access, potentially compromising the entire user ecosystem. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target users without requiring physical access to devices or network proximity, significantly expanding the attack surface. This flaw violates fundamental security principles outlined in the NIST SP 800-53 security controls and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through malicious applications, and T1071, which addresses application layer protocol usage for data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require comprehensive security remediation across multiple application layers. Immediate implementation of proper data encryption mechanisms, including the use of strong cryptographic algorithms for password storage and contact information protection, is essential. The application should adopt secure coding practices that prevent cleartext storage of sensitive information and implement proper access controls for data resources. Network security measures should include the enforcement of secure communication protocols and the implementation of proper data validation controls to prevent malicious manipulation of application data flows. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and implement robust monitoring systems to detect unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process should follow industry standards such as OWASP Mobile Top 10 guidelines and incorporate proper security testing procedures including static code analysis and dynamic application security testing. Additionally, user education regarding application permissions and security awareness should be implemented to reduce the risk of exploitation through social engineering or malicious application installation.