CVE-2017-13103 in Pinterest
Summary
by MITRE
Pinterest, 6.37, 2017-10-24, iOS application uses a hard-coded key for encryption. Data stored using this key can be decrypted by anyone able to access this key.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13103 represents a critical cryptographic weakness in the Pinterest iOS application version 6.37 released on October 24, 2017. This flaw stems from the application's implementation of data encryption where developers embedded a hard-coded cryptographic key directly within the application binary. Such a practice violates fundamental security principles and creates a severe attack vector for malicious actors who can extract this key through reverse engineering techniques. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's data protection mechanisms, which are designed to safeguard user information stored locally on mobile devices.
The technical implementation of this flaw manifests through the use of a static encryption key that remains unchanged across all application instances and user sessions. This hard-coded key serves as the foundation for encrypting sensitive user data including but not limited to personal information, browsing history, and potentially private communications. When developers embed cryptographic keys directly into application code, they create a scenario where the encryption mechanism becomes trivially breakable since the key exists in the same location as the encrypted data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-321: Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key, which explicitly identifies the dangers of embedding cryptographic secrets within application binaries. This weakness enables attackers to perform static analysis on the application binary and extract the encryption key through techniques such as disassembly, decompilation, or direct memory examination.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass broader security implications for user privacy and platform integrity. Any individual who gains access to the application binary or can execute code on the target device can easily extract the hard-coded key and subsequently decrypt all data previously encrypted by the application. This creates a persistent threat where user information remains compromised even after device reboots or application updates, as the key remains embedded within the application's code structure. The vulnerability enables multiple attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1552 category for Unsecured Credentials, allowing adversaries to access sensitive data through various methods including mobile application exploitation, code injection, or device compromise. The risk is particularly severe for users who store sensitive personal information, financial data, or private communications within the Pinterest application, as all such data becomes accessible to anyone possessing the extracted key.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation of the application code to eliminate the hard-coded encryption key and implement proper cryptographic key management practices. The most effective approach involves removing the embedded key from the application binary and instead implementing secure key derivation mechanisms such as using device-specific keys, secure enclaves, or hardware security modules where available. Organizations should implement proper key rotation policies and utilize platform-specific secure storage mechanisms such as iOS Keychain services or Android Keystore system to manage cryptographic materials. Additionally, developers should adopt defense-in-depth strategies including code obfuscation, runtime integrity checks, and secure coding practices to prevent easy extraction of cryptographic materials. The remediation process must also include comprehensive security testing including static analysis, dynamic analysis, and penetration testing to ensure that no other hard-coded cryptographic elements exist within the application. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to maintain the application's security posture and prevent similar implementations in future releases. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following established security frameworks and standards such as NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management and the OWASP Mobile Security Project guidelines for secure mobile application development.