CVE-2017-0413 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability in AOSP Messaging could enable a local malicious application to bypass operating system protections that isolate application data from other applications. This issue is rated as High because it could be used to gain access to data that the application does not have access to. Product: Android. Versions: 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1. Android ID: A-32161610.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0413 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android Open Source Project Messaging application, specifically affecting Android versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1. This security weakness resides in the core messaging framework that handles SMS and MMS communications across the Android platform. The vulnerability stems from inadequate isolation mechanisms that should normally prevent applications from accessing each other's data, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent fundamental security boundaries. The Android ID A-32161610 categorizes this issue within the broader context of operating system security controls that protect user data integrity and privacy.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a flaw in the messaging application's data handling processes that allows local malicious applications to bypass standard operating system protections designed to maintain application sandboxing. This flaw essentially creates a mechanism where an attacker-controlled application can access sensitive data that belongs to the messaging application or other applications on the device. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation issue because it enables a malicious application with limited permissions to gain access to data that should remain isolated within the messaging application's secure context. This type of flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and application isolation that forms the foundation of Android's security architecture.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0413 extends beyond simple data theft, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in Android's application sandboxing model that could enable more sophisticated attacks. Attackers could potentially access sensitive user communications, personal information stored within messaging applications, and other data that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The vulnerability's classification as High severity reflects its potential to compromise user privacy and enable further attacks such as credential theft, identity theft, or data exfiltration. This issue particularly affects users who rely on Android devices for personal and professional communications, as the compromised data could include confidential messages, contact information, and other sensitive personal details.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the relevant security patches provided by Google and device manufacturers, as the issue was addressed through updates to the Android operating system components. System administrators and users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest Android versions that contain the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and monitor for potentially malicious applications that might attempt to exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive security assessments of messaging applications and their data handling mechanisms to ensure proper isolation and protection of user information. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes information exposure, and represents a significant concern for the ATT&CK framework's credential access and defense evasion techniques.