CVE-2014-5320 in Bump
Summary
by MITRE
The Bump application for Android does not properly handle implicit intents, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive owner-name information via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5320 resides within the Bump application for Android platforms, representing a significant security flaw in how the application processes implicit intents. This weakness stems from inadequate validation and handling of intent objects that are designed to be automatically resolved by the Android system without explicit specification of the target component. The Bump application, which facilitates file sharing between devices through proximity-based connections, fails to properly sanitize or verify incoming implicit intents that could be manipulated by malicious actors. This improper intent handling creates an attack surface where adversaries can craft specially designed applications to exploit the vulnerability and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical flaw manifests when the Bump application receives an implicit intent that contains owner-name information, which should normally be protected from unauthorized access. The vulnerability occurs because the application does not implement proper intent verification mechanisms, allowing attackers to construct malicious intents that bypass normal security controls. This type of flaw falls under CWE-707, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in a different context, specifically in how the application processes implicit intents without proper validation. The Android intent system is designed to enable applications to communicate with each other seamlessly, but when applications fail to properly validate intent data, they expose themselves to manipulation by unauthorized entities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a critical breach in the application's security model. Attackers can exploit this weakness to obtain owner-name information, which may serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks targeting user privacy and device security. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the Bump application by undermining its ability to maintain proper access controls and data integrity. This flaw enables potential attackers to perform unauthorized data access and could facilitate identity theft or social engineering attacks where personal information is harvested for malicious purposes. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges or device access, making it accessible to any malicious application that can craft appropriate intent objects.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5320 should focus on implementing proper intent validation and verification mechanisms within the Bump application. Developers should ensure that all implicit intents are properly validated before processing, including checking intent sources, verifying intent parameters, and implementing strict access controls for sensitive data. The recommended approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which addresses the use of system services and APIs that may be exploited for information gathering, emphasizing the need for proper input validation. Organizations should also implement proper application sandboxing and restrict the use of implicit intents where sensitive data is involved. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Mobile Top 10, particularly regarding intent-based communication and proper data handling in mobile applications. The fix should involve comprehensive testing of intent handling code paths and implementation of proper error handling for malformed or suspicious intents to prevent exploitation.