CVE-2024-3128 in Replify-Messenger
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2024
** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, has been found in Replify-Messenger 1.0 on Android. This issue affects some unknown processing 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 identifier VDB-258869 was assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: This vulnerability only affects products that are no longer supported by the maintainer. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early and responded very quickly. He does not intend to maintain the app anymore and will revoke the availability in the Google Play Store.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-3128 represents a critical security flaw in Replify-Messenger version 1.0 for Android platforms, specifically targeting the backup file handling mechanism within the application's androidmanifest.xml configuration file. This issue falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-284, where the application fails to properly restrict access to sensitive backup files that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The vulnerability stems from inadequate implementation of Android's backup mechanisms, which are designed to protect user data while allowing legitimate backup operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the androidmanifest.xml file, which contains critical configuration parameters that govern how backup files are handled within the application. When the Backup File Handler component processes these configuration settings, it fails to properly validate or restrict access controls, allowing malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to backup files that contain sensitive user data. This exposure represents a significant breach of the principle of least privilege and violates fundamental security practices for mobile application development. The vulnerability can be exploited directly on physical devices without requiring network connectivity or additional attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with physical access to compromised devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as backup files often contain comprehensive user data including chat histories, contact information, and potentially sensitive personal details that could be used for identity theft, social engineering attacks, or other malicious activities. The fact that this vulnerability has been publicly disclosed and is actively being used in the wild significantly increases the risk to affected users. According to ATT&CK framework category T1213, this vulnerability enables adversaries to access data stored in backup files, which represents a common attack vector for data extraction and persistence. The vulnerability's exploitation on physical devices means that users cannot simply avoid the risk by not connecting to potentially malicious networks, as the attack can occur regardless of network conditions.
Given that Replify-Messenger is no longer maintained by its vendor, users face limited remediation options and should immediately uninstall the application from their devices to prevent potential exploitation. The vendor's quick response and decision to remove the application from Google Play Store demonstrates awareness of the severity of the issue, though this does not address existing installations that may already be compromised. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability when assessing mobile application security postures and emphasize the importance of proper backup file handling mechanisms. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining support for security-critical applications and the risks associated with using unsupported software that may contain known vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that users are educated about the risks of using deprecated applications.