The CBC Gem Android and iOS applications (Android version 9.24.0 and below, iOS version 9.24.0 and below) sends potentially sensitive information such as device model and resolution, mobile carrier, days since first use, days since last use, total number of app launches, number of app launches since upgrade, and previous app session length, unencrypted to both first and third party sites (Adobe Marketing Cloud, ScorecardResearch).
0d3444a9cc732375e29149b598c57075ea9f0555e5ce5015c7e21c27660080f2
CBC Gem Android & iOS Applications - Unencrypted Analytics
--
https://www.info-sec.ca/advisories/CBC-Gem.html
Overview
"Watch hundreds of shows on demand and stream live news and sports, all
for free. With CBC Gem, you can stream current episodes and past seasons
of comedies, dramas, documentaries and more."
(https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.cbc.android.cbctv)
(https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/cbc-gem/id422191503)
Issue
The CBC Gem Android & iOS applications (Android version 9.24.0 and
below, iOS version 9.24.0 and below) sends potentially sensitive
information such as device model & resolution, mobile carrier, days
since first use, days since last use, total number of app launches,
number of app launches since upgrade, and previous app session length,
unencrypted to both first and third party sites (Adobe Marketing Cloud,
ScorecardResearch).
Impact
An attacker who can monitor network traffic could capture potentially
sensitive information about the user's device and viewing habits without
their knowledge.
Timeline
October 7, 2019 - Provided additional information about my research on
unencrypted analytics to Apple via product-security@apple.com
October 17, 2019 - Attempted to obtain a security contact via a CBC
support form
October 17, 2019 - CBC provided a contact for the mobile application
October 17, 2019 - Provided the details to CBC
October 17, 2019 - CBC confirmed receipt of the information
October 29, 2019 - Asked CBC if they were able to confirm the issue
October 31, 2019 - CBC confirmed the issue and stated that they are
working on a fix
Solution
Upgrade to Android version 9.24.1 or iOS version 9.26.0