CVE-2018-18698 : Security Advisory and Response

CVE-2018-18698 was published on November 28, 2018, and affects Xiaomi Mi A1 devices. The vulnerability allows unencrypted Wi-Fi passwords to be mistakenly recorded in logcat during the phone setup process.

Understanding CVE-2018-18698

What is CVE-2018-18698?

An issue on Xiaomi Mi A1 devices allows cleartext Wi-Fi passwords to be stored in logcat when setting up the phone as a hotspot.

The Impact of CVE-2018-18698

This vulnerability poses a security risk as it exposes sensitive Wi-Fi passwords in an unencrypted format, potentially leading to unauthorized access to networks.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-18698

Vulnerability Description

Xiaomi Mi A1 devices running tissot_sprout:8.1.0/OPM1.171019.026/V9.6.4.0.ODHMIFE mistakenly record unencrypted Wi-Fi passwords in logcat during hotspot setup.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Xiaomi Mi A1
Affected Version: tissot_sprout:8.1.0/OPM1.171019.026/V9.6.4.0.ODHMIFE

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by accessing the logcat files on the affected Xiaomi Mi A1 devices to retrieve unencrypted Wi-Fi passwords.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks on affected devices.
Regularly monitor log files for any unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Encrypt Wi-Fi passwords before connecting to networks.
Implement strong password policies for all network connections.

Patching and Updates

Update Xiaomi Mi A1 devices to the latest firmware that addresses this vulnerability.