CVE-2013-3659 in overseas usage
Summary
by MITRE
The NTT DOCOMO overseas usage application 2.0.0 through 2.0.4 for Android does not properly connect to Wi-Fi access points, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by leveraging presence in an 802.11 network s coverage area.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3659 affects the NTT DOCOMO overseas usage application version 2.0.0 through 2.0.4 on Android devices, representing a significant security flaw in wireless network connection handling. This issue stems from improper Wi-Fi access point connection logic that creates exploitable conditions within 802.11 network coverage areas. The vulnerability operates under CWE-305 authentication weakness, specifically targeting the application's failure to properly validate network connections and authenticate access points. The flaw enables remote attackers to exploit the application's weak connection management to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information through proximity to wireless networks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's inability to properly verify the authenticity of Wi-Fi networks during connection establishment. When users are within range of an 802.11 network coverage area, the application fails to implement adequate security checks that would normally prevent connections to untrusted or malicious access points. This weakness allows attackers to potentially intercept network traffic, capture sensitive session data, or perform man-in-the-middle attacks against the application's communication channels. The vulnerability specifically relates to improper connection handling as defined by CWE-610, where the application creates a dangerous dependency on potentially insecure network connections. The flaw exists in the application's network stack implementation and represents a failure in proper network security validation protocols.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses substantial risk to users traveling internationally who rely on the NTT DOCOMO overseas usage application for network connectivity. The remote attack vector means that malicious actors can exploit the vulnerability without requiring physical access to the device, simply by positioning themselves within the wireless network coverage area. Sensitive information that could be compromised includes user credentials, session tokens, personal data, and potentially financial information transmitted through the application. The impact extends beyond individual privacy concerns to potential corporate data breaches when users access business networks or services through the vulnerable application. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, where adversaries leverage credential harvesting through network-based attacks, and represents a significant risk in environments where mobile devices handle sensitive communications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate application updates and network security hardening measures. Users should immediately upgrade to the patched version of the NTT DOCOMO overseas usage application, which should address the improper Wi-Fi connection handling logic. Network administrators should implement additional security controls such as mandatory network authentication protocols, encrypted communication channels, and network access control measures to prevent exploitation. The application should be configured to require explicit user confirmation before connecting to any wireless network, and should implement robust certificate validation and network authentication checks. Organizations should also consider deploying network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous connection patterns and unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper network security implementation in mobile applications and demonstrates the critical need for continuous security testing and validation of wireless connectivity features.