CVE-2024-3124 in smartalarm
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2024
A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in fridgecow smartalarm 1.8.1 on Android. This affects an unknown part of the file androidmanifest.xml of the component Backup File Handler. The manipulation leads to exposure of backup file to an unauthorized control sphere. It is possible to launch the attack on the physical device. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-258867.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2024
This vulnerability exists within the fridgecow smartalarm application version 1.8.1 for Android platforms, specifically targeting the Backup File Handler component within the androidmanifest.xml file. The flaw represents a critical security oversight that allows unauthorized access to backup files through improper configuration of the application's backup mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from inadequate protection of sensitive data stored in the application's backup files, which are typically accessible to any user with physical device access or root privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of backup file permissions within the AndroidManifest.xml configuration file. When applications enable backup functionality without proper security controls, they expose sensitive data to potential attackers who can access these files through various means including physical device access, adb commands, or through exploitation of other system vulnerabilities. This misconfiguration creates an attack surface that allows adversaries to extract sensitive information, user credentials, or other confidential data stored in the application's backup archives. The vulnerability is classified as a backup data exposure issue that directly violates fundamental security principles of data protection and access control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to application data without requiring network connectivity or complex remote exploitation techniques. The attack can be launched directly on the physical device, making it particularly dangerous in environments where devices may be lost, stolen, or accessed by unauthorized individuals. This vulnerability affects not only the immediate application data but potentially exposes user credentials, personal information, or other sensitive data that applications typically store in their backup files. The disclosure of this vulnerability to the public means that threat actors can readily exploit it without requiring advanced technical skills or specialized tools.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper backup file protection mechanisms within the Android application configuration. The recommended approach involves disabling automatic backup for sensitive applications or implementing robust access controls through the use of android:allowBackup="false" attribute in the manifest file, combined with proper encryption of sensitive data. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as device encryption, secure backup solutions, and regular security audits of application configurations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-540 (Inclusion of Sensitive Information in Backup or Archive) categories, and represents a technique that could be categorized under ATT&CK tactic TA0006 (Credential Access) and technique T1213 (Data from Information Repositories). The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper application security configuration and the potential risks associated with default security settings that may expose sensitive data to unauthorized access.