CVE-2018-9489 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Android Wi-Fi Broadcast Information Disclosure Vulnerability

Understanding CVE-2018-9489

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Android versions 7.0 to 9.0 that allows for the disclosure of sensitive information through Wi-Fi network broadcasts.

What is CVE-2018-9489?

The function sendNetworkStateChangeBroadcast in WifiStateMachine.java can broadcast detailed Wi-Fi network information when Wi-Fi is turned on, leading to information disclosure without the need for execution privileges. User interaction is not required for exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2018-9489

This vulnerability affects Android versions 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9.0, potentially exposing sensitive data to malicious actors.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-9489

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the broadcast of detailed Wi-Fi network information when Wi-Fi is activated, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Android
Vendor: Google Inc.
Versions: Android-7.0, Android-7.1.1, Android-7.1.2, Android-8.0, Android-8.1, Android-9.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The function sendNetworkStateChangeBroadcast in WifiStateMachine.java is triggered when Wi-Fi is enabled, disclosing network details without user interaction.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable Wi-Fi when not in use to minimize exposure to potential attacks.
Regularly monitor for security updates and patches from Google.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement network segmentation to limit access to sensitive information.
Educate users on the risks of public Wi-Fi networks and the importance of secure connections.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Google promptly to address this vulnerability.