CVE-2013-0718 in Simeji
Summary
by MITRE
The Simeji application 4.8.1 and earlier for Android uses weak permissions for unspecified files, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information via an application that accesses the local filesystem.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2019
The Simeji application vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0718 represents a critical security flaw in Android mobile applications where improper file permission settings create exploitable conditions for unauthorized data access. This vulnerability affects versions 4.8.1 and earlier of the Simeji application, which is a popular Android keyboard application that processes user input and potentially stores sensitive data. The weakness lies in the application's failure to implement proper access controls for files stored within its local filesystem, creating a pathway for malicious actors to extract confidential information from the device.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the application's insufficient file permission management, allowing attackers to access files that should remain protected or restricted to the application's own processes. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of improper access control issues, which are commonly classified as CWE-284 - Improper Access Control, and represents a failure in the principle of least privilege. The weak permissions could manifest as overly permissive file modes, lack of proper file ownership controls, or absence of necessary security checks when accessing stored data. Attackers can exploit this weakness by leveraging the application's access to the local filesystem to read sensitive information that may include user input data, configuration files, or other stored content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a persistent security risk for users of the affected application. The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious applications or attackers with access to the device to gain unauthorized access to data that the legitimate application is designed to protect. This exposure can lead to privacy violations, data breaches, and potential identity theft if sensitive user information is stored within the application's data directories. The threat landscape for such vulnerabilities is particularly concerning given that keyboard applications like Simeji have extensive access to user input data, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to harvest personal information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0718 should focus on implementing proper file permission controls and access restrictions within the application's filesystem management. Organizations should ensure that all application data is stored with appropriate access controls, typically using restrictive file permissions such as 600 or 640, and that the application properly implements security checks before accessing any stored files. The fix should involve updating the application to enforce proper access controls and file permissions, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Mobile Security Project and the Android Security Model. Additionally, the application should implement proper data sanitization and encryption for sensitive information stored locally, as recommended by the NIST Mobile Security Guidelines. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security audits and code reviews focusing on file system access patterns, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552 - Unsecured Credentials and T1074 - Data Staged, as attackers can leverage weak file permissions to access staged or stored data.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend to Android application security practices and demonstrate the critical need for proper security implementation in mobile applications. This issue serves as a reminder that even seemingly benign applications like keyboards can pose significant security risks if proper access control measures are not implemented. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates a systemic security flaw in the application's design, emphasizing the importance of security by design principles and continuous security testing throughout the application lifecycle. Users should be advised to update to the latest version of the Simeji application as soon as possible, and security professionals should monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other applications that handle sensitive user data through local file system access.