CVE-2025-9102 in mail.com App
Summary
by MITRE • 08/18/2025
A security vulnerability has been detected in 1&1 Mail & Media mail.com App 8.8.0 on Android. Affected is an unknown function of the file AndroidManifest.xml of the component com.mail.mobile.android.mail. The manipulation leads to improper export of android application components. It is possible to launch the attack on the local host. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2025
This vulnerability resides in the 1&1 Mail & Media mail.com Android application version 8.8.0, specifically within the AndroidManifest.xml file of the com.mail.mobile.android.mail component. The flaw represents a critical misconfiguration in the application's component exportation mechanism, where sensitive application components are improperly exposed to other applications or system processes on the device. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper android:exported attribute declarations or incorrect attribute values in the manifest file, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors. This misconfiguration allows unauthorized access to internal application functionalities that should remain protected and restricted to the application's own processes. The issue is particularly concerning because it enables local privilege escalation and lateral movement within the device's security boundaries, as the exported components can be invoked by other applications without proper authentication or authorization checks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the AndroidManifest.xml file structure, specifically targeting the component exportation settings that control which application components can be accessed by external applications. When components are improperly exported, they become accessible to any application with the appropriate permissions or through direct intent invocation. This flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the mail.com application, potentially accessing sensitive user data, email contents, or other confidential information stored within the application's secure boundaries. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including credential theft, session hijacking, and unauthorized access to the user's email account. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates locally on the device, meaning no network connectivity is required for exploitation, and the attack can be executed through simple component invocation techniques that leverage the improperly exported application elements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting both individual user privacy and the overall security posture of devices running the affected application. Users may experience unauthorized access to their email accounts, potential data breaches, and compromised personal information that could be used for identity theft or other malicious purposes. The vulnerability's public disclosure creates an immediate risk as threat actors can readily exploit the flaw without requiring advanced technical skills or specific attack infrastructure. Security researchers have identified this issue as a direct violation of Android security best practices and represents a clear deviation from the principle of least privilege. The lack of vendor response after early disclosure further compounds the risk, as users remain exposed to potential exploitation without any official patches or mitigations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-922, which addresses the improper exportation of application components, and represents a significant concern under ATT&CK framework's technique T1068, involving privilege escalation through local exploits.
The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate application updates from the vendor, though the lack of response suggests users should consider alternative email applications until proper patches are available. System administrators should monitor for any suspicious application behavior on devices running the affected software, while users should exercise extreme caution with application permissions and regularly review their installed applications. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider temporary restrictions on the application's functionality until proper security patches are deployed. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper manifest file configuration and adherence to Android security guidelines, particularly regarding component exportation and permission management. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of vulnerable components and ensure that all application components are properly secured through appropriate exportation controls. This incident underscores the necessity for regular security audits of application manifest files and the implementation of automated scanning tools to identify similar misconfigurations across the enterprise environment.