CVE-2017-18192 in Photo
Summary
by MITRE
smart/calculator/gallerylock/CalculatorActivity.java in the "Photo,Video Locker-Calculator" application through 18 for Android allows attackers to access files via the backdoor 17621762 PIN.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18192 resides within the "Photo,Video Locker-Calculator" Android application, specifically in the smart/calculator/gallerylock/CalculatorActivity.java component. This application, version 18 and earlier, implements a backdoor mechanism that can be exploited through a hardcoded PIN value of 17621762. The flaw represents a critical security oversight where the application intentionally includes a backdoor access point that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms, allowing unauthorized users to gain access to protected media files stored within the application's locker functionality.
This vulnerability fundamentally undermines the application's core security premise by creating an unauthorized access pathway that operates independently of legitimate user authentication. The hardcoded PIN approach violates fundamental security principles and constitutes a design flaw that aligns with CWE-259: Use of Hard-coded Password and CWE-798: Use of Hard-coded Credentials. The backdoor mechanism essentially provides a universal key that can be used to unlock any instance of the application, regardless of the user's intended security settings or personal PIN configurations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Attackers who discover or are aware of the 17621762 PIN can immediately access all media files stored within the application's locker, potentially compromising sensitive personal photographs, videos, and other private content. This backdoor effectively nullifies the application's primary security function of protecting user media from unauthorized access. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring any special privileges or technical expertise beyond knowledge of the hardcoded PIN value, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application might be installed on devices belonging to multiple users or in public settings.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential data exfiltration, privacy violations, and identity theft risks. The presence of such a backdoor in a security application creates a trust violation that undermines user confidence in the application's ability to protect their data. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple techniques including T1078: Valid Accounts and T1566: Phishing, as attackers can leverage the backdoor to gain access to protected data without detection. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk for organizations using such applications for data protection, as it creates a persistent backdoor that could be exploited by malicious actors with access to the application. Mitigation efforts should include immediate removal of the application from affected devices, implementation of application vetting processes, and potential device-level security measures to prevent installation of applications with known backdoors.
The existence of this backdoor vulnerability highlights the importance of proper code review and security testing in mobile application development. Applications that claim to provide security services must undergo rigorous security assessment to ensure they do not contain intentional or unintentional backdoor mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for developers to avoid hardcoding credentials and to implement proper authentication mechanisms that cannot be bypassed through simple hardcoded values. Organizations should consider implementing mobile device management policies that prevent installation of applications with known security vulnerabilities and establish procedures for regularly auditing installed applications for suspicious functionality.