CVE-2021-40180 : What You Need to Know

In the WeChat application 8.0.10 for Android and iOS, a mini program can obtain sensitive information from a user's address book via wx.searchContacts.

Understanding CVE-2021-40180

In this section, we will delve into the details of CVE-2021-40180.

What is CVE-2021-40180?

CVE-2021-40180 highlights a vulnerability in the WeChat application 8.0.10 for Android and iOS, enabling a mini program to extract sensitive data from the user's address book through wx.searchContacts.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40180

The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to a user's address book, potentially compromising sensitive information and posing privacy risks.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40180

Let's explore the technical specifics of CVE-2021-40180.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability permits a mini program in WeChat 8.0.10 for Android and iOS to access a user's address book data via wx.searchContacts, potentially exposing sensitive information.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: WeChat application 8.0.10 for Android and iOS.
Affected Versions: All versions up to 8.0.10.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation involves the mini program sending specific requests via wx.searchContacts to retrieve contact details without proper user consent.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking necessary steps is crucial to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-40180.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should avoid granting unnecessary permissions to mini programs in WeChat.
Regularly review and update app permissions to restrict data access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintain updated versions of WeChat to benefit from security patches.
Be cautious while granting permissions to minimize data exposure risks.

Patching and Updates

Promptly install patches released by WeChat to address this vulnerability and enhance overall security.