CVE-2017-3750 in VIBE Mobile Phone
Summary
by MITRE
On Lenovo VIBE mobile phones, the Lenovo Security Android application allows private data to be backed up and restored via Android Debug Bridge, which allows tampering leading to privilege escalation in conjunction with CVE-2017-3748 and CVE-2017-3749.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3750 represents a critical security flaw within Lenovo VIBE mobile devices that stems from improper implementation of the Lenovo Security Android application. This application, designed to protect user data and system integrity, inadvertently creates a dangerous pathway for unauthorized access through its backup and restore functionality. The vulnerability specifically allows private data to be backed up and restored via Android Debug Bridge, which fundamentally undermines the device's security model by providing an attack vector that bypasses normal access controls and authentication mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) interface being improperly configured to permit backup operations without adequate authorization checks. This flaw creates a pathway where malicious actors can manipulate the backup and restore processes to gain elevated privileges on the device. When combined with the related vulnerabilities CVE-2017-3748 and CVE-2017-3749, the impact becomes significantly more severe as these vulnerabilities work in conjunction to create a multi-stage attack vector. The interconnected nature of these vulnerabilities demonstrates a systemic weakness in Lenovo's security implementation across multiple components of the Android security framework. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3750 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and unauthorized privilege escalation. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain root-level access to affected Lenovo VIBE devices, enabling them to manipulate system files, install malicious applications, and potentially access all user data stored on the device. The combination with CVE-2017-3748 and CVE-2017-3749 creates a particularly dangerous scenario where attackers can establish persistent access and maintain control over the device even after normal security measures would have been effective. This vulnerability affects the core Android security model by undermining the principle of least privilege and creating a backdoor through which unauthorized access can be achieved. The implications for enterprise users and individuals alike are severe, as compromised devices can serve as entry points for broader network attacks or provide access to sensitive corporate data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3750 should focus on immediate device updates and configuration changes to disable unnecessary backup functionality through ADB. Organizations should implement strict policies prohibiting the use of ADB in production environments and ensure that all devices are updated with the latest security patches provided by Lenovo. Network administrators should monitor for unauthorized ADB connections and implement device management solutions that can detect and prevent the exploitation of these vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure configuration management and proper access control implementation in mobile security frameworks. Security professionals should also consider implementing additional monitoring and detection capabilities to identify potential exploitation attempts and ensure that the device's security model remains intact. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of comprehensive security testing and the need for robust access control mechanisms in mobile operating systems, particularly when dealing with sensitive backup and restore functionality.