CVE-2017-15998 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE article discusses a vulnerability in the "NQ Contacts Backup & Restore" application version 1.1 for Android that uses weak encryption, making it susceptible to remote attacks.

Understanding CVE-2017-15998

This CVE identifies a security issue in the encryption mechanism of the mentioned Android application.

What is CVE-2017-15998?

The application uses DES encryption with a fixed key, which can be exploited by remote hackers to intercept and retrieve unencrypted data.

The Impact of CVE-2017-15998

The vulnerability allows attackers to access sensitive contact information by monitoring the network traffic.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-15998

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The application employs DES encryption with a static key, enabling attackers to sniff the network and obtain cleartext data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: NQ Contacts Backup & Restore
Version: 1.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Hackers can exploit the weak encryption to intercept and retrieve unencrypted contact data during transmission.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protective measures to address the CVE-2017-15998 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Avoid transmitting sensitive data using the vulnerable application.
Consider using alternative secure contact backup solutions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong encryption protocols for data transmission.
Regularly update the application to patch security vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure the application is updated to a version that addresses the encryption weakness.