CVE-2017-0846 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability in the Android framework (clipboardservice). Product: Android. Versions: 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0. Android ID: A-64934810.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The Android framework contains an information disclosure vulnerability within the clipboard service component that affects multiple versions including 5.1.1, 6.0, 6.0.1, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, and 8.0. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of clipboard data access controls, allowing malicious applications to potentially access clipboard contents that should be restricted to specific applications or users. The issue manifests when the clipboard service fails to properly validate access permissions for clipboard data, creating a window where unauthorized applications can retrieve sensitive information that was intended to remain private. This flaw represents a significant security concern as clipboard data often contains sensitive user information such as passwords, personal identification numbers, and other confidential data that users have copied to their device's clipboard.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the Android framework's permission model for clipboard operations, specifically within the clipboard service daemon. When applications attempt to access clipboard data, the system should enforce strict access controls based on application permissions and user context. However, the flaw allows for bypassing these security checks through improper validation of inter-process communication requests. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper information disclosure, and specifically relates to CWE-284, which covers improper access control mechanisms. The underlying issue occurs at the system level where the clipboard service does not properly implement the principle of least privilege, enabling unauthorized data access through crafted inter-process communication calls that exploit the lack of proper input validation and access control enforcement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors including credential theft, data exfiltration, and potential privilege escalation within the Android environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to harvest sensitive data from users' clipboard contents without their knowledge or consent, particularly when users copy passwords, personal identification information, or other confidential data. The vulnerability affects all affected Android versions, creating a widespread risk across the Android ecosystem where malicious applications can potentially access clipboard contents from other applications, including banking apps, email clients, and secure communication tools. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited for financial fraud, identity theft, and corporate espionage, as clipboard data often contains information that is considered sensitive even when it is not encrypted or protected by other security mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures within the Android framework. The primary solution involves applying the security patches released by Google that address the clipboard service access control issues and implement proper validation of clipboard data access requests. Organizations should ensure all affected Android devices receive timely security updates and implement mobile device management policies that enforce automatic update deployment. Additionally, developers should review their applications to ensure proper clipboard access controls and implement defensive programming practices that validate all clipboard data access operations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1119, which covers automated collection, and T1074, which addresses data staging, as attackers can automate the collection of clipboard data from compromised devices. System administrators should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual clipboard access patterns and establish security awareness training for users about the risks of clipboard-based attacks and the importance of monitoring clipboard content access on their devices.