CVE-2018-17401 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2018-17401 was published on September 23, 2018, and involves a potential Account Takeover vulnerability in the PhonePe wallet application for Android versions 3.0.6 to 3.3.26. The exploit requires the user to install a malicious app and grant accessibility permissions.

Understanding CVE-2018-17401

This CVE entry highlights a disputed vulnerability in the PhonePe wallet application for Android.

What is CVE-2018-17401?

The vulnerability allows attackers to conduct Account Takeover attacks by exploiting the Forgot Password feature of the PhonePe wallet app for Android versions 3.0.6 to 3.3.26.

The Impact of CVE-2018-17401

The exploit could lead to unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive information stored within the PhonePe wallet application.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-17401

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the PhonePe wallet app for Android versions 3.0.6 to 3.3.26 enables attackers to perform Account Takeover attacks by leveraging the Forgot Password feature.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: PhonePe wallet application
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions: Android versions 3.0.6 to 3.3.26

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers need to trick users into installing a malicious app and granting accessibility permissions to the app.
Users must knowingly provide access, as the Android platform issues warnings before enabling accessibility for any app.
The vendor likens this risk to installing malicious keyboards or apps capable of taking screenshots.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against CVE-2018-17401 involves taking immediate and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Avoid installing apps from untrusted sources.
Be cautious when granting accessibility permissions to apps.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the PhonePe wallet app to patch known vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe app installation practices and permissions management.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for the PhonePe wallet app and promptly install patches to mitigate potential risks.