CVE-2011-4867 in Qqpphoto
Summary
by MITRE
The Tencent QQPhoto (com.tencent.qqphoto) application 0.97 for Android does not properly protect data, which allows remote attackers to read or modify contact information and a password hash via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4867 affects the Tencent QQPhoto Android application version 0.97, representing a critical security flaw in mobile application data protection mechanisms. This issue stems from insufficient data protection measures within the application's architecture, creating exploitable conditions that allow remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information. The vulnerability specifically targets contact information and password hash data stored within the application's environment, demonstrating poor implementation of security controls that should protect user credentials and personal data.
The technical flaw manifests through improper data handling and protection mechanisms that fail to adequately secure sensitive information from external manipulation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting a malicious application that leverages the vulnerable QQPhoto application's data exposure mechanisms. This allows unauthorized access to contact details and password hash information, effectively compromising user privacy and account security. The vulnerability operates at the application level, where insufficient input validation and data protection measures create pathways for data interception and modification. The flaw represents a failure in proper access control implementation and data encryption practices, making it particularly dangerous for mobile applications handling user credentials.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for users of the affected Tencent QQPhoto application, as it enables remote data theft and potential account compromise. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to include credential theft that could lead to further exploitation and unauthorized access to user accounts. Attackers could leverage the stolen password hashes for credential reuse attacks or pass-the-hash techniques, potentially gaining access to additional systems and services. The remote nature of the attack means that users do not need physical access to devices to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly concerning for mobile platforms where device security may be compromised.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-259 (Use of Hard-coded Password) categories, indicating improper handling of sensitive data and potential hard-coded credentials within the application. This weakness falls under the ATT&CK technique T1566 (Phishing) and T1531 (Account Access Removal) when considering potential exploitation paths, as attackers could use stolen credentials for further malicious activities. Organizations should implement proper input validation, data encryption, and access control mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The recommended mitigations include immediate application updates with proper data protection measures, implementation of secure coding practices, and regular security assessments to identify potential data exposure vulnerabilities.
Security practitioners should prioritize patching affected applications and implementing comprehensive mobile application security controls. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper data protection in mobile applications, particularly those handling user credentials and personal information. Organizations should adopt secure coding standards, implement proper encryption for sensitive data, and establish robust access control mechanisms to prevent unauthorized data access. Regular security testing and code reviews are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors in the wild.