CVE-2013-0720 in COBIME
Summary
by MITRE
The COBIME application before 0.9.4 for Android uses weak permissions for unspecified files, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information via an application that accesses the local filesystem.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0720 affects the COBIME application version 0.9.3 and earlier on Android platforms, representing a significant security flaw in the application's file access controls. This weakness stems from improper permission settings that govern how the application interacts with local filesystem resources, creating an avenue for unauthorized data access. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of unspecified files, suggesting that multiple file types or locations within the application's data directory may be improperly protected. Such a flaw falls under the broader category of insecure permissions within mobile applications, where inadequate access controls can lead to information disclosure and potential system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the application's failure to properly enforce file system permissions, allowing malicious or legitimate applications with appropriate privileges to access sensitive data that should remain protected. This weakness typically manifests when applications fail to implement proper access control mechanisms, such as ensuring that only authorized processes can read or write to specific files. The vulnerability enables attackers to exploit the application's local storage by leveraging the weak permissions to read sensitive information that may include user data, configuration files, or other confidential resources stored within the application's data directory. This issue directly relates to CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and represents a classic example of inadequate access control in mobile application development.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a serious risk to user privacy and data security, as it allows unauthorized access to sensitive information that may be stored locally within the application's data space. Attackers could potentially extract personal information, authentication tokens, or other confidential data that applications typically protect through proper file system permissions. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as this vulnerability could enable further exploitation paths including privilege escalation or additional attack vectors that leverage the exposed data. Mobile security frameworks such as the Android Security Model specifically emphasize proper file permission management, and this vulnerability demonstrates a failure to adhere to established security practices. The risk is particularly concerning given that the application operates on Android platforms where file system access controls are fundamental to maintaining application isolation and user data protection.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper file system permission controls within the COBIME application. The most effective approach involves ensuring that all application data files are created with appropriate permissions that restrict access to the application's own process only, typically using chmod operations with restrictive permission sets such as 600 or 640. Additionally, developers should implement proper file access controls by utilizing Android's built-in security mechanisms including the use of internal storage with proper access flags and avoiding the use of world-readable or world-writable files. The application should also be updated to version 0.9.4 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper permission enforcement. Security best practices dictate that applications should follow the principle of least privilege, ensuring that file access permissions are as restrictive as possible while still allowing proper application functionality. Organizations should conduct regular security audits of their mobile applications to identify and remediate similar permission-related vulnerabilities that could compromise user data and system integrity.