CVE-2019-10251 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2019-10251 affecting UCWeb UC Browser app for Android. Discover the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps for this MITM vulnerability.
Until March 26, 2019, the UCWeb UC Browser app for Android was vulnerable to MITM attacks due to its use of HTTP for retrieving specific components linked to PDF and Microsoft Office files.
Understanding CVE-2019-10251
The UCWeb UC Browser app for Android exposed users to potential MITM attacks by utilizing insecure HTTP connections for downloading certain modules.
What is CVE-2019-10251?
The vulnerability in the UC Browser app for Android allowed attackers to intercept and manipulate data transmitted between the app and servers, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data theft.
The Impact of CVE-2019-10251
The vulnerability exposed approximately 500 million users of the UC Browser app for Android to the risk of MITM attacks, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of their data.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-10251
The technical aspects of the CVE-2019-10251 vulnerability are as follows:
Vulnerability Description
The UC Browser app for Android used insecure HTTP connections to retrieve specific components related to PDF and Microsoft Office files, making it susceptible to MITM attacks.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: UCWeb UC Browser app for Android
- Version: Until March 26, 2019
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by intercepting the insecure HTTP traffic between the UC Browser app and servers, allowing them to manipulate the downloaded components.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2019-10251 and enhance overall security, consider the following steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update the UC Browser app to the latest secure version.
- Avoid using unsecured networks when accessing sensitive information.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Use VPNs or encrypted connections to protect data transmission.
- Regularly monitor for security updates and patches for the UC Browser app.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by UCWeb to mitigate the vulnerability and enhance the app's security.