CVE-2017-3776 in Help Android Mobile App
Summary
by MITRE
Lenovo Help Android mobile app versions earlier than 6.1.2.0327 allowed information to be transmitted over an HTTP channel, permitting others observing the channel to potentially see this information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3776 affects Lenovo Help Android mobile application versions prior to 6.1.2.0327 and represents a significant security flaw in data transmission protocols. This issue stems from the application's failure to implement secure communication channels for transmitting sensitive information, instead relying on unencrypted http connections that expose data to interception. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure data transmission as defined by CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through insecure communication channels. The flaw creates a pathway for man-in-the-middle attacks and network eavesdropping, where attackers can capture and potentially exploit the transmitted data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental security oversight in the application's network communication design. When the Lenovo Help app transmits user information, system data, or other sensitive content over HTTP connections, it fails to establish proper encryption or authentication mechanisms. This insecure transmission method allows any network observer with access to the communication channel to intercept and read the transmitted data, potentially exposing personal information, device identifiers, or other confidential details. The vulnerability directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1041, which involves data from network connections, as attackers can leverage this weakness to capture sensitive communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential compromise of user privacy and device security. Mobile users who rely on the Lenovo Help application for technical support or system diagnostics face increased risk of their personal information being exposed during transmission. This exposure could lead to identity theft, unauthorized access to device features, or exploitation of sensitive system data that the application might collect or transmit. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also organizations that deploy Lenovo devices with this application, potentially creating broader security implications for enterprise environments where device management and user data protection are critical concerns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3776 require immediate action to update the affected Lenovo Help application to version 6.1.2.0327 or later, which implements secure HTTPS connections and proper encryption protocols. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all devices running affected versions of the application and ensure timely deployment of security patches. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect and alert on insecure HTTP traffic patterns, while security policies should mandate the use of encrypted communication channels for all sensitive data transmission. Additionally, user awareness training should emphasize the importance of keeping mobile applications updated and the risks associated with using insecure communication protocols. The remediation process should also include implementing network segmentation and access controls to minimize potential damage from any successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that even if attackers can intercept some data, they cannot leverage it for further compromise.