CVE-2018-3986 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in version 4.9.0 of the Telegram Android messaging app's "Secret Chats" feature, allowing photos to remain accessible on the device after chats are deleted.

Understanding CVE-2018-3986

This CVE involves an information disclosure vulnerability in the Telegram Android messaging application version 4.9.0.

What is CVE-2018-3986?

This vulnerability affects the "Secret Chats" feature of the Telegram Android app, where photos shared within these chats are not completely removed upon chat deletion.

The Impact of CVE-2018-3986

CVSS Base Score: 4.2 (Medium Severity)
Confidentiality Impact: High
Attack Vector: Local
User Interaction: Required
Privileges Required: High
Scope: Unchanged
The vulnerability could lead to exposure of private information stored in photos shared within secret chats.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-3986

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

An exploitable information disclosure vulnerability exists in the "Secret Chats" functionality of the Telegram Android messaging application version 4.9.0.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Telegram
Affected Version: Telegram Messaging Application for Android 4.9.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Due to a software glitch, photos shared within secret chats are not completely removed when the chats are deleted, leaving them accessible to any installed application on the Android device.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2018-3986, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Telegram app to the latest version that contains a fix for this vulnerability.
Avoid sharing sensitive information through the "Secret Chats" feature until the app is updated.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all applications on your Android device to ensure you have the latest security patches.
Be cautious when sharing sensitive information through messaging apps and consider using additional encryption methods.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by Telegram and promptly apply them to your device to mitigate known vulnerabilities.