CVE-2017-3760 in Service Framework
Summary
by MITRE
The Lenovo Service Framework Android application uses a set of nonsecure credentials when performing integrity verification of downloaded applications and/or data. This exposes the application to man-in-the-middle attacks leading to possible remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2019
The Lenovo Service Framework represents a critical security vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3760 that fundamentally undermines the integrity verification mechanisms of Android devices running Lenovo's proprietary service framework. This vulnerability resides within the application's implementation of cryptographic verification processes, where it employs weak or insecure credentials that fail to properly authenticate the authenticity and integrity of downloaded applications and data. The flaw manifests when the framework attempts to validate downloaded content, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to intercept and manipulate the communication between the device and remote servers. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues in security protocols, specifically focusing on the use of weak or predictable cryptographic credentials. This weakness enables attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by intercepting the communication channel and substituting legitimate updates with malicious payloads without detection by the device's integrity verification system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data integrity concerns, creating a pathway for remote code execution that could compromise entire device systems. When the service framework validates downloaded content using insecure credentials, it fails to establish proper trust relationships between the device and legitimate service providers, allowing attackers to inject malicious code into the update process. This vulnerability affects not only the Lenovo Service Framework itself but also any applications or data that rely on the framework's integrity verification mechanisms, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges and gain full control over affected devices. The threat landscape for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code through the compromised framework. The implications are particularly severe given that the vulnerability affects the core service framework that manages device updates and maintenance operations, potentially enabling attackers to maintain persistent access while undermining the device's overall security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3760 require immediate attention from device manufacturers and end users to address the insecure credential implementation within the Lenovo Service Framework. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as SSL pinning and certificate validation to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, while also ensuring that all device firmware and applications are updated to versions that address the cryptographic weakness in the integrity verification process. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic credential management and the need for robust certificate validation mechanisms in mobile service frameworks. Security professionals should conduct thorough assessments of similar service frameworks across different vendors to identify comparable vulnerabilities, as this issue reflects broader industry challenges with insecure cryptographic implementations in mobile device management systems. Additionally, device users should be advised to avoid untrusted network connections when performing system updates and to monitor for official security patches from Lenovo that address this specific vulnerability in the service framework's credential handling mechanisms.