External risk intelligence

Code Catcher SMS Code Capture Insecure Permissions Vulnerability

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.1)

CVE-2026-107043

The vulnerability affects a mobile application (Code Catcher) specifically regarding its SMS-code-capture mechanism. Mobile applications are client-side software that runs locally on a user's device. This mechanism is not a network-accessible service, web endpoint, or internet-facing infrastructure component, making public network exposure of this specific internal functionality highly unlikely.

Halo Surface Signal: 1 out of 5 — much less likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This advisory concerns a critical vulnerability in the Code Catcher application related to insecure permissions. Attackers could potentially exploit this to gain unauthorized control over the app's SMS-code-capture function, which could have broad implications for user data security. The main concern is confirming the relevance and exposure of this specific application within your environment.

  • Unsecured permissions allow app control.
  • Protects sensitive SMS code capture.
  • Confirm if this app is used.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could target the Code Catcher application by leveraging its insecure permissions. This would allow them to interfere with the app's ability to capture SMS codes, potentially leading to the unauthorized manipulation of sensitive information.

  • No special access needed.
  • Manipulate SMS code capture.
  • Unauthorized data access and control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

Insecure permissions in Code Catcher's SMS-code-capture mechanism could allow unauthorized attackers to manipulate how the app handles received SMS codes, when this functionality is active.

  • SMS code capture mechanism.
  • Unauthorized manipulation of code capture.
  • Potential for unauthorized access to accounts.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

In real-world scenarios, the owners of the Code Catcher application and the mobile devices where it's deployed would likely be responsible for addressing this vulnerability. The initial practical steps involve identifying all instances of the affected application, determining if the SMS-capture mechanism is actively used or exposed, and then coordinating with the appropriate application or device owners to plan remediation.

  • Application owners manage the issue.
  • Verify SMS capture function reachability.
  • Plan for app updates or removal.

Supplementary metadata

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Code Catcher app and what does it do?

Code Catcher is a mobile application designed to assist users by automatically intercepting and managing specific SMS-based verification codes. By simplifying the retrieval of these codes, it aims to streamline authentication processes for various services. It functions as a local utility on Android devices, interacting with system messaging to identify and store incoming SMS data for quick user access.

What is the vulnerability class for CVE-2026-107043?

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-926, which refers to improper export of Android application components. In plain terms, the app has insecurely configured its internal permission settings. This oversight allows other unauthorized applications or actors on the same device to interact with or manipulate functions that should be restricted, specifically the app's mechanism for handling SMS verification codes.

How does an attacker trigger this SMS-code-capture bug?

An attacker needs the Code Catcher app to be installed and running on a target device to attempt exploitation. The vulnerability does not require the user to click a link or visit a malicious website; rather, it exists locally. Simply having the application installed with its current insecure permissions is enough to open the door for manipulation. The bug is not triggered by remote network requests, but by interactions from other local software.

Is CVE-2026-107043 relevant to my network infrastructure?

According to Halo Surface Signal, this vulnerability is very unlikely to affect your network infrastructure. Because Code Catcher is a mobile client-side application running locally on personal devices, its SMS-capture mechanism is not an internet-facing service or a web-based endpoint. The risk is constrained to the mobile device itself rather than broader company servers or external network gateways.

What steps should I take if I use Code Catcher?

If this application is present in your environment, your primary action is to identify which devices have it installed. Since the issue stems from how the app permissions are set, you should verify if the SMS-capture feature is essential for your workflows. If it is not critical, consider removing the app. If it is required, coordinate with the device owners to monitor for official application updates that might address the insecure permission configuration.

References