CVE-2017-9663 in Shanghai OnStar SOS iOS Client
Summary
by MITRE
An Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information issue was discovered in General Motors (GM) and Shanghai OnStar (SOS) SOS iOS Client 7.1. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may allow a remote attacker to access an encryption key that is stored in cleartext in memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9663 represents a critical security flaw in the General Motors and Shanghai OnStar SOS iOS Client version 7.1, specifically categorized under cleartext storage of sensitive information within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-312. This vulnerability arises from improper handling of cryptographic keys within the mobile application's memory management, creating a persistent security risk that directly violates fundamental security principles for protecting sensitive data. The flaw exists in the iOS client implementation of the OnStar emergency services application, which is designed to provide emergency assistance and vehicle diagnostics services to users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly encrypt or obfuscate cryptographic keys during runtime execution, allowing attackers to directly access these keys from memory locations where they are stored in plain text format. When the iOS client application processes emergency requests or communicates with OnStar servers, it maintains encryption keys in memory without adequate protection mechanisms, making them accessible to malicious actors who can leverage memory inspection tools or techniques to extract these sensitive components. This design flaw essentially creates a backdoor through which unauthorized parties can obtain the cryptographic keys necessary to decrypt communications or impersonate legitimate system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally compromises the security architecture of the OnStar emergency services platform. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this weakness can gain access to encryption keys that may be used to decrypt communications between vehicle systems and the OnStar servers, potentially enabling them to intercept sensitive data, manipulate emergency responses, or even gain unauthorized access to vehicle systems. The vulnerability affects not only the confidentiality of communications but also undermines the integrity and authenticity of the entire emergency response system, creating potential risks for vehicle safety and user privacy. This represents a significant concern within the automotive cybersecurity domain, particularly as connected vehicles become increasingly reliant on secure communication channels.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9663 require immediate implementation of proper memory protection mechanisms within the iOS client application, including the adoption of secure key storage practices that prevent cleartext exposure in memory. Organizations should implement memory sanitization techniques, use secure cryptographic libraries that properly handle key material, and ensure that all sensitive data is encrypted before storage in memory. Additionally, the vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the 'Credential Access' and 'Defense Evasion' domains, where attackers can leverage memory-based techniques to extract credentials and cryptographic keys. The remediation process should include comprehensive code reviews, implementation of secure coding practices, and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions of the mobile application. Organizations must also consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their overall security posture, particularly in automotive cybersecurity contexts where the stakes for system integrity and user safety are exceptionally high.