CVE-2012-5182 in Loctouch
Summary
by MITRE
The Loctouch application 3.4.6 and earlier for Android does not properly handle implicit intents, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information about logged locations via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2019
The Loctouch application version 3.4.6 and earlier for Android contains a critical security flaw in its intent handling mechanism that exposes sensitive location data to malicious actors. This vulnerability stems from the application's improper management of implicit intents, which are Android components designed to allow applications to request actions from other apps without specifying the exact component to handle the request. The flaw creates an attack surface where unauthorized applications can intercept and manipulate the flow of location-related data through the implicit intent system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to validate or sanitize incoming implicit intents that contain location information. When a user interacts with the Loctouch application, it processes location data through implicit intent mechanisms to communicate with other system components or third-party applications. Attackers can craft malicious applications that register to receive these same implicit intents, effectively positioning themselves between the legitimate application and the system components. This creates a man-in-the-middle scenario where sensitive location data can be intercepted, modified, or exfiltrated without proper authorization.
This vulnerability has significant operational impact on users who rely on the Loctouch application for location-based services. The exposure of logged location information can lead to privacy violations, tracking of user movements, and potential exploitation for targeted attacks. The flaw affects the fundamental security principle of least privilege, as it allows unauthorized applications to access data that should remain protected within the legitimate application's scope. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a classic case of improper input validation and privilege escalation through Android's intent system, which is particularly concerning given the sensitive nature of location data and its potential for misuse in various attack scenarios.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, specifically the use of implicit intents as a method for command and control communication, and T1071, which covers application layer protocol usage for data exfiltration. The attack vector leverages Android's intent resolution mechanism, where the system automatically routes implicit intents to registered components based on intent filters, creating opportunities for malicious applications to register competing intent filters and intercept sensitive data flows.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application updates that properly validate all incoming implicit intents and implement robust input sanitization procedures. Developers should implement explicit intent usage where possible, as explicit intents provide better control over the communication channels and eliminate the ambiguity associated with implicit intent resolution. The application should also implement proper access controls and data validation mechanisms that ensure only authorized components can receive sensitive location information. System administrators and users should be advised to avoid installing untrusted applications that might register competing intent filters, and the application should be updated to version 3.4.7 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through improved intent handling and validation procedures.