CVE-2014-1977 in Spmode Mail Android
Summary
by MITRE
The NTT DOCOMO sp mode mail application 6300 and earlier for Android 4.0.x and 6700 and earlier for Android 4.1 through 4.4 uses weak permissions for attachments during processing of incoming e-mail messages, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1977 affects the NTT DOCOMO sp mode mail application versions 6300 and earlier on Android 4.0.x systems, as well as versions 6700 and earlier on Android 4.1 through 4.4 platforms. This security flaw resides within the email attachment handling mechanism of the mobile email client, specifically targeting the permission model applied to file processing operations. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the application's security architecture where insufficient access controls are implemented during the processing of incoming email messages. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting a malicious application that leverages the weak permission model to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the device. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-276, which deals with incorrect permissions for a resource, and falls within the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and credential access categories. This weakness enables adversaries to bypass normal security boundaries that should protect sensitive data from unauthorized access during email attachment processing operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper permission handling within the email application's attachment processing pipeline. When the sp mode mail application receives incoming email messages with attachments, it fails to enforce proper access controls on temporary files or storage locations where attachment data is processed. The application's weak permission model allows malicious applications to access or manipulate files that should remain protected from unauthorized access. This occurs because the application does not properly validate or restrict file system access during the attachment processing workflow, creating an opportunity for attackers to exploit the insufficient permission checks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where email processing occurs, making it possible for attackers to access not only email attachments but potentially other sensitive data stored on the device. The flaw demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege, where applications should only have access to resources necessary for their specific functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a persistent threat vector that attackers can leverage for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially access personal information, business documents, communication records, and other sensitive data that users expect to remain protected within their email applications. The vulnerability affects users of specific NTT DOCOMO devices running older Android versions, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on these mobile platforms for business communications. The exploitation process requires the attacker to create a malicious application that can leverage the weak permissions to access the email processing environment. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution and T1074 for data staging, as the attacker needs to establish a foothold within the email processing context to move laterally and access additional resources. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that email applications typically have access to a wide range of sensitive user data and system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1977 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security improvements. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of the NTT DOCOMO sp mode mail application, ensuring that all affected devices receive the necessary security updates. System administrators should implement monitoring for suspicious application behavior, particularly around file system access patterns during email processing operations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper permission modeling in mobile applications and suggests implementing stricter access controls during attachment processing. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of mobile email applications and enforce security policies that prevent unauthorized applications from accessing email processing environments. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of installing untrusted applications that might exploit such permission weaknesses. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce stricter security policies and monitor for potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include verifying that proper file system permissions are enforced during email attachment processing and ensuring that temporary files are appropriately secured. This vulnerability underscores the critical need for robust permission models in mobile applications and the importance of following secure coding practices that prevent privilege escalation through weak access controls.