CVE-2016-6799 in Cordova
Summary
by MITRE
Product: Apache Cordova Android 5.2.2 and earlier. The application calls methods of the Log class. Messages passed to these methods (Log.v(), Log.d(), Log.i(), Log.w(), and Log.e()) are stored in a series of circular buffers on the device. By default, a maximum of four 16 KB rotated logs are kept in addition to the current log. The logged data can be read using Logcat on the device. When using platforms prior to Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), the log data is not sandboxed per application; any application installed on the device has the capability to read data logged by other applications.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-6799 affects Apache Cordova Android versions 5.2.2 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in mobile application logging mechanisms. This issue stems from the improper handling of logging operations within Android applications, where developers utilize the standard Android Log class methods including Log.v(), Log.d(), Log.i(), Log.w(), and Log.e() to record application data. These logging operations store information in circular buffers on the device, creating persistent data repositories that can be accessed by other applications on the same device.
The technical flaw lies in the lack of proper sandboxing mechanisms for log data on Android platforms prior to version 4.1 Jelly Bean. This design oversight creates a fundamental security weakness where log data from one application becomes accessible to any other application installed on the device. The logging system maintains a maximum of four 16 KB rotated logs along with the current log, forming a comprehensive repository of potentially sensitive information. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-532, which addresses information exposure through log files, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.002 for indicator removal on host. The circular buffer implementation, while efficient for system monitoring, becomes a security liability when data is not properly isolated between applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the logged data may contain sensitive application information including user credentials, session tokens, debugging information, and business logic details. Attackers can exploit this weakness through malicious applications that leverage logcat access to extract confidential data from legitimate applications. This creates a significant risk for applications handling personal data, financial information, or enterprise secrets. The vulnerability affects the core security model of Android applications on older platforms, undermining the principle of least privilege and application isolation that modern mobile security relies upon. Organizations using Apache Cordova for mobile development face particular risk as this vulnerability exists in widely deployed versions, making it a prime target for exploitation in mobile application attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including upgrading to Apache Cordova Android versions beyond 5.2.2 where logging mechanisms have been improved. Developers should implement custom logging solutions that either sanitize sensitive data before logging or use application-specific logging mechanisms that prevent cross-application access. The recommended approach involves removing or obfuscating sensitive information from log outputs, implementing proper input validation, and utilizing secure logging libraries that provide better isolation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application security monitoring tools that can detect and alert on suspicious log access patterns, while also ensuring that mobile applications are tested against security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Mobile Security Project. System administrators should also configure device policies to restrict log access permissions and regularly audit application permissions to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive logging data.