CVE-2024-44336
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in AnkiDroid allows attackers to access and copy internal application files from protected storage to publicly accessible locations. It affects users of AnkiDroid version 2.17.6 on Android devices. The exposure could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user data stored by the application.
💻 Affected Systems
- AnkiDroid
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could exfiltrate all user data including study progress, card collections, personal notes, and potentially authentication tokens, leading to complete compromise of user's AnkiDroid data and privacy.
Likely Case
Local attackers or malicious apps could access and copy study data, card collections, and user preferences, potentially exposing personal learning materials and study habits.
If Mitigated
With proper Android permissions and storage isolation, only apps with specific permissions or physical device access could exploit this, limiting exposure to sophisticated attacks.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public proof-of-concept available on GitHub. Exploitation requires malicious app installation or physical device access with debugging enabled.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.17.7 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/ankidroid/Anki-Android/security/advisories
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Google Play Store 2. Search for AnkiDroid 3. Update to version 2.17.7 or later 4. Restart the application
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable USB Debugging
androidPrevents physical attackers from accessing device storage via ADB
Settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging (toggle off)
Restrict App Permissions
androidReview and limit storage permissions for all installed applications
Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions > Storage (deny)
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Uninstall AnkiDroid 2.17.6 and use web version or alternative flashcard apps
- Enable Android's Verify Apps feature to scan for malicious applications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check AnkiDroid version in app settings: Open AnkiDroid > Settings > About > Version numberCheck Version:
Not applicable - check via app interfaceVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 2.17.7 or higher in app settings after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns in /data/data/com.ichi2.anki/
- Multiple file copy operations from protected to public storage
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound transfers of .apkg or .anki2 files if exfiltration occurs
SIEM Query:
Not typically applicable for mobile app vulnerabilities on personal devices