CVE-2017-2723 in Files App
Summary
by MITRE
The Files APP 7.1.1.308 and earlier versions in some Huawei mobile phones has a vulnerability of plaintext storage of users' Safe passwords. An attacker with the root privilege of an Android system could forge the Safe to read users' plaintext Safe passwords, leading to information leak.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2723 represents a critical security flaw in Huawei's Files APP version 7.1.1.308 and earlier releases, specifically affecting certain Huawei mobile devices running Android operating systems. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive authentication data within the application's storage mechanisms, creating a significant risk for user security and privacy. The flaw manifests as a plaintext storage issue where user Safe passwords are stored in an unencrypted format, making them readily accessible to any entity with appropriate system privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on an attacker possessing root privileges on the Android device, which provides the necessary system-level access to manipulate application data. When an attacker achieves root access, they can directly manipulate the Files APP's data storage structures to read Safe passwords in their plaintext form without any encryption or obfuscation. This represents a fundamental failure in secure data handling practices and violates established security principles for protecting sensitive user information. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-312, which describes the weakness of storing sensitive data in a manner that makes it easily accessible to unauthorized parties.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it compromises the fundamental security model of user authentication mechanisms on affected devices. When Safe passwords are stored in plaintext, attackers can immediately gain access to user accounts and sensitive data without requiring additional cracking or reverse-engineering efforts. This creates a direct pathway for unauthorized access to user information, potentially leading to identity theft, financial fraud, and broader privacy violations. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of user data, undermining the trust users place in their mobile device security systems.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper data encryption and secure storage practices in mobile applications. The flaw highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of mobile applications, particularly those handling sensitive user authentication data. Organizations and users should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates from Huawei, while also implementing additional security measures such as monitoring for suspicious device activity and maintaining awareness of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of following established security frameworks and standards that govern mobile application development and data protection practices.
This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation, where attackers can leverage system-level access to extract sensitive information. The attack vector represents a sophisticated exploitation method that requires the initial compromise of device root privileges, making it a significant concern for users who may have their devices compromised through other attack vectors. The impact of such vulnerabilities extends beyond individual users to potentially affect enterprise security posture when affected devices are used for business purposes, emphasizing the need for comprehensive mobile device management strategies and security policies.