CVE-2020-7745 in MintegralAdSDK
Summary
by MITRE • 10/19/2020
This affects the package MintegralAdSDK before 6.6.0.0. The SDK distributed by the company contains malicious functionality that acts as a backdoor. Mintegral and their partners (advertisers) can remotely execute arbitrary code on a user device.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2020
The CVE-2020-7745 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the MintegralAdSDK package affecting versions prior to 6.6.0.0, where the software contains embedded malicious functionality that operates as a persistent backdoor mechanism. This vulnerability fundamentally compromises the security posture of devices that integrate the affected SDK, creating a persistent threat vector that allows for remote code execution capabilities. The malicious implementation within the SDK demonstrates sophisticated design that enables unauthorized access to user devices through legitimate application interfaces, making it particularly dangerous as it operates under the guise of legitimate advertising functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the inclusion of covert remote execution capabilities within the SDK's codebase, which allows threat actors with access to the Mintegral platform or their advertising partners to remotely control infected devices. This backdoor functionality operates at the application layer and leverages the legitimate SDK integration to maintain persistence while avoiding detection mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the software development lifecycle by introducing malicious code during the packaging and distribution phase, which then executes within the context of the host application. This represents a sophisticated supply chain attack vector where the compromise occurs not through network infiltration but through the legitimate distribution channels of software components.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7745 extends far beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it enables adversaries to gain complete control over affected devices, potentially leading to data exfiltration, device manipulation, and further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects millions of end users who have integrated the affected SDK into their applications, creating a massive attack surface that can be exploited for various malicious purposes including financial theft, privacy violations, and infrastructure compromise. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a complete breakdown of trust within the software supply chain, as users and developers cannot distinguish between legitimate and malicious functionality within the SDK.
Security organizations and developers should immediately implement mitigation strategies including immediate SDK version updates to 6.6.0.0 or later, thorough code audits of existing integrations, and network monitoring for suspicious activities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1554 - Compromise of SDKs and Development Tools, which specifically addresses malicious code injection in software development components. Additionally, this vulnerability maps to CWE-94 - Improper Control of Generation of Code, as it involves the generation and execution of unauthorized code within the legitimate software environment. Organizations should also consider implementing software composition analysis tools to detect and prevent the inclusion of vulnerable components in their applications, as well as establishing robust software integrity verification processes to prevent supply chain compromises. The incident highlights the critical need for comprehensive security controls throughout the software development lifecycle and emphasizes the importance of third-party component vetting and continuous monitoring of integrated libraries for potential security threats.