CVE-2018-14995 : What You Need to Know

This CVE involves multiple ZTE Android devices that come pre-installed with a platform app allowing unauthorized access to sensitive user data.

Understanding CVE-2018-14995

This vulnerability affects ZTE Blade Vantage, Blade Spark, ZMAX Pro, and ZMAX Champ Android devices.

What is CVE-2018-14995?

The ZTE Android devices mentioned have a pre-installed platform app named com.android.modem.service that permits access to sensitive log files without proper permissions.

The Impact of CVE-2018-14995

Unauthorized access to incoming and outgoing text messages and phone call details
Exposure of sensitive user information stored in system-wide logcat logs

Technical Details of CVE-2018-14995

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The platform app com.android.modem.service allows access to modem and logcat logs containing sensitive data
Third-party apps can activate and retrieve data from these logs without necessary permissions

Affected Systems and Versions

ZTE Blade Vantage, Blade Spark, ZMAX Pro, and ZMAX Champ Android devices

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows unauthorized apps to access and extract sensitive user data from modem and logcat logs

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against and addressing the CVE-2018-14995 vulnerability is crucial for device security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Regularly monitor app permissions and restrict unnecessary access
Avoid granting excessive permissions to third-party apps
Be cautious when installing apps from unknown sources

Long-Term Security Practices

Keep devices updated with the latest security patches
Implement app sandboxing to limit access to sensitive data

Patching and Updates

Install security updates provided by ZTE to address the vulnerability