CVE-2015-0875 in Smartphone Passbook
Summary
by MITRE
The Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank Smartphone Passbook application 1.0.0 for Android creates a log file containing input data from the user, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading a file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0875 represents a critical security flaw in the Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank Smartphone Passbook application version 1.0.0 for Android platforms. This weakness stems from the application's improper handling of user input data through log file creation mechanisms that inadvertently expose sensitive information to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability manifests when the application generates log files containing direct user input without adequate sanitization or encryption measures, creating persistent data exposure risks that persist beyond the application's operational lifecycle.
The technical implementation flaw resides in the application's logging mechanism which indiscriminately records user-provided data including but not limited to account numbers, personal identification information, and transaction details directly into log files stored on the device's file system. This design pattern violates fundamental security principles of data protection and demonstrates poor input validation practices that align with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. The logging functionality appears to be implemented without consideration for the security implications of storing plaintext sensitive data, creating a persistent attack surface that remains accessible even after the application has been closed or the device has been rebooted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates multiple attack vectors for threat actors seeking to compromise user financial information. An attacker with access to the device can simply navigate to the application's log file locations and extract sensitive data without requiring advanced technical skills or privileged access. This vulnerability directly enables credential theft, identity fraud, and financial account compromise scenarios that align with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the credential access and defense evasion tactics. The persistent nature of log files means that sensitive information remains accessible for extended periods, potentially allowing attackers to harvest data over time rather than requiring immediate exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate implementation of secure logging practices that include input sanitization, data encryption, and proper access controls. The application should be redesigned to either eliminate the logging of sensitive user input or implement robust data protection measures that ensure log files containing such information are properly encrypted and access-controlled. Organizations should implement regular security audits to identify similar logging vulnerabilities across their mobile applications and establish comprehensive data protection policies that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Mobile Security Project. Additionally, the application should be updated to remove or disable the problematic logging functionality until proper security measures can be implemented, and users should be informed of the potential risks associated with the current version of the application.