CVE-2017-15997: In the "NQ Contacts Backup & Restore" application 1.1 for Android, RC4 encryption is used to secure the user p

Routine

HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2017-15997 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting contacts backup \& restore. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

In the "NQ Contacts Backup & Restore" application 1.1 for Android, RC4 encryption is used to secure the user password locally stored in shared preferences. Because there is a static RC4 key, an attacker can gain access to user credentials more easily by leveraging access to the preferences XML file.

Why this priority

High severity

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 97%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-327
Published	2017-10-29
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: nq

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-10-29 17:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:08 UTCUpdated Record last modified

nq contacts backup \& restore DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.1

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy contacts-backup--restore || rpm -q contacts-backup--restore || contacts-backup--restore --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison contacts-backup--restore sudo apt install contacts-backup--restore=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1> sudo apt-mark hold contacts-backup--restore

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list contacts-backup--restore sudo dnf downgrade contacts-backup--restore-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1> sudo dnf versionlock add contacts-backup--restore

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2017-15997?

contacts backup \& restore: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2017-15997 being exploited?

CVE-2017-15997 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2017-15997 affect?

CVE-2017-15997 affects contacts backup \& restore. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). In the "NQ Contacts Backup & Restore" application 1.1 for Android, RC4 encryption is used to secure the user password locally stored in shared preferences. Because there is a static RC4 key, an attacker can gain access to user credentials m

How urgent is CVE-2017-15997?

Priority 28/100. High severity

Software pages

Android vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2017-15999 CRITICAL 9.8 DOWNGRADE In the "NQ Contacts Backup & Restore" application 1.1 for Android, no HTTPS is used for transmitting login and
CVE-2017-15998 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE In the "NQ Contacts Backup & Restore" application 1.1 for Android, DES encryption with a static key is used to

References

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