CVE-2018-11242 in MakeMyTrip
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in the MakeMyTrip application 7.2.4 for Android. The databases (locally stored) are not encrypted and have cleartext that might lead to sensitive information disclosure, as demonstrated by data/com.makemytrip/databases and data/com.makemytrip/Cache SQLite database files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2024
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2018-11242 represents a critical data exposure issue within the MakeMyTrip mobile application version 7.2.4 for Android platforms. This security flaw stems from inadequate data protection mechanisms implemented by the application developers, specifically concerning the local storage of sensitive information on mobile devices. The vulnerability manifests through the absence of encryption for locally stored database files, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized access to sensitive user data stored within the application's local storage areas.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to employ proper encryption mechanisms for its SQLite database files. The affected directories data/com.makemytrip/databases and data/com.makemytrip/Cache contain unencrypted database files that store user information in cleartext format. This design flaw directly violates established security best practices for mobile application development and data protection. The vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-311, which specifically addresses the absence of encryption for sensitive data, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and data protection by design. Mobile applications storing sensitive user information should implement robust encryption mechanisms to protect data at rest, particularly when that data includes personal identification information, travel details, payment information, or other confidential user data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, creating significant risks for user privacy and potential exploitation by malicious actors. When database files are stored in cleartext format, any individual with access to the device can potentially extract sensitive information without requiring sophisticated attack techniques. This vulnerability affects users who have installed the affected version of the application, potentially exposing their travel bookings, personal details, and other sensitive information stored locally on their devices. The risk is particularly elevated in scenarios where devices are lost, stolen, or accessed by unauthorized individuals, as the sensitive data remains readily accessible without authentication. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531, which focuses on "Modify Application Configuration" and can be leveraged by threat actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored locally on compromised devices.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical expertise and can be accomplished through standard forensic techniques or by accessing the device's file system directly. Attackers can simply navigate to the specified database directories and extract the SQLite database files, which contain all stored information in readable format. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by both sophisticated threat actors and casual attackers with basic technical knowledge. The lack of encryption creates a persistent risk that remains active as long as the application is installed on the device, regardless of network connectivity or other security measures. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their comprehensive security assessment, particularly when evaluating mobile application security controls and data protection mechanisms. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of implementing proper data classification and protection measures, ensuring that sensitive information is encrypted at rest even when stored locally on mobile devices.
Recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include implementing robust encryption mechanisms for all locally stored sensitive data, including database files and cache directories. Mobile application developers should employ industry-standard encryption libraries and ensure that all sensitive data is encrypted using strong cryptographic algorithms such as AES-256. The application should implement proper key management practices and ensure that encryption keys are securely stored and managed. Additionally, developers should conduct comprehensive security testing including static and dynamic analysis of mobile applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in other data storage mechanisms. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be implemented to ensure compliance with mobile security best practices and industry standards. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as secure file permissions, application sandboxing, and proper data handling procedures to minimize the risk of sensitive data exposure in mobile environments.