CVE-2024-21633 Scanner

Mobile Security Framework (MobSF) is an open-source tool widely used for analyzing mobile applications, including Android and iOS apps. It is commonly used by security researchers, penetration testers, and developers to detect vulnerabilities in mobile applications. MobSF provides static and dynamic analysis capabilities, allowing users to assess security risks in APK and IPA files. Organizations utilize MobSF to ensure the security of their mobile applications before release. It integrates with multiple analysis tools to provide comprehensive reports on application security. MobSF is continuously updated to address new threats and improve security testing capabilities.

The Path Traversal vulnerability in MobSF (CVE-2024-21633) arises from an issue with apktool that allows attackers to manipulate file paths. This vulnerability enables remote code execution (RCE) or arbitrary file writing by exploiting file paths in a specific manner. Attackers can craft malicious APK files that bypass directory restrictions, potentially leading to system compromise. If successfully exploited, this flaw allows unauthorized access to the MobSF instance. As a result, sensitive data, including intellectual property, may be exposed or altered. Organizations using vulnerable versions of MobSF should take immediate action to mitigate this issue.

The vulnerability exists within the file processing mechanism of MobSF, specifically when handling APK files. Attackers can use specially crafted APK files containing malicious payloads in the ZIP archive format to exploit this flaw. By uploading such a file to the MobSF instance, an attacker can overwrite critical files, including executable components like jadx. The template tests for this vulnerability by writing a local file and verifying its presence. This method simulates a real-world attack scenario to determine if the system is vulnerable. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of file paths when extracting APK contents.

If exploited, this vulnerability can lead to severe consequences, including unauthorized access and potential system compromise. Attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the server running MobSF, leading to full control over the application. They may alter or delete sensitive files, impacting the integrity and availability of the application. Unauthorized access to MobSF could expose confidential mobile application data, leading to intellectual property theft. Additionally, an attacker could manipulate analysis results, causing false security assessments. This vulnerability poses a critical risk to organizations relying on MobSF for mobile application security analysis.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/0x33c0unt/CVE-2024-21633/tree/main?tab=readme-ov-file
• https://www.qu35t.pw/posts/2024-21633-mobsf-rce/
• https://github.com/MobSF/Mobile-Security-Framework-MobSF/commit/19c1b55c2c59596f2d43439926c9dc976cbeaec4
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-21633