CVE-2017-3160 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2017-3160, a high-severity vulnerability in Apache Cordova Android that exposes systems to a Man-in-the-Middle attack during Gradle retrieval. Find out the impact, affected versions, and mitigation steps.
CVE-2017-3160, a vulnerability in Apache Cordova Android, exposes systems to a Man-in-the-Middle attack due to insecure Gradle retrieval. Learn about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
Understanding CVE-2017-3160
What is CVE-2017-3160?
CVE-2017-3160 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apache Cordova Android that allows a Man-in-the-Middle attack during Gradle retrieval, compromising the Gradle executable.
The Impact of CVE-2017-3160
The vulnerability poses a high risk as the build scripts immediately initiate a build after fetching Gradle, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data compromise.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-3160
Vulnerability Description
- Cordova Android fetches Gradle over an insecure URI, making it vulnerable to a Man-in-the-Middle attack.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Apache Cordova Android
- Vendor: Apache Software Foundation
- Versions Affected: Apache Cordova 6.1.0 and below
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers can intercept Gradle retrieval, compromising the executable and potentially gaining unauthorized access.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Install Cordova-Android version 6.1.2 or newer.
- Configure CORDOVA_ANDROID_GRADLE_DISTRIBUTION_URL to https://services.gradle.org/distributions/gradle-2.14.1-all.zip.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update Cordova-Android to the latest version.
- Implement secure URI protocols for external dependencies.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security alerts and apply patches promptly.