CVE-2017-0414 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-32807795.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0414 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android Open Source Project Messaging application that fundamentally undermines the operating system's security model. This issue affects Android versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, and 7.1.1, where a local malicious application can exploit a weakness in the messaging component to bypass critical isolation mechanisms that normally protect application data from unauthorized access by other applications. The vulnerability operates at the core of Android's security architecture, specifically targeting the sandboxing principles that separate applications to prevent cross-contamination of sensitive data and system resources.
The technical flaw manifests through improper access control mechanisms within the messaging application's implementation, allowing a malicious actor to leverage specific system calls or data structures that should remain protected from unauthorized access. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege enforcement. Attackers can exploit this weakness to access data that should be restricted to the legitimate messaging application, potentially obtaining sensitive information including text messages, contact details, and other personal data that the malicious application would not normally have access to. The vulnerability's classification as High severity stems from its ability to circumvent fundamental security boundaries that Android establishes between applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it represents a complete breakdown in the application isolation model that Android relies upon for security. A malicious application with minimal privileges can potentially access the complete messaging database, including conversations from other users or applications, creating a significant risk for privacy and data confidentiality. This weakness can be exploited by applications that have already gained some level of access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications are installed. The vulnerability could enable attackers to gather intelligence for further exploitation, conduct social engineering attacks, or access sensitive communication data that may include personal information, financial details, or corporate secrets.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0414 should prioritize immediate system updates to the latest Android versions where this vulnerability has been patched, as the fix addresses the underlying access control mechanisms that were being bypassed. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that enforce automatic security updates and regularly audit application permissions to prevent unauthorized access. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how seemingly isolated application components can create systemic security risks. Security professionals should also consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious data access patterns and ensure that application sandboxing configurations are properly enforced across all messaging and communication applications. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper access control implementation and the potential consequences when these protections fail, particularly in environments where sensitive data is processed and stored.