CVE-2015-5310 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Wi-Fi in Android before 5.1.1 LMY49F and 6.0 before 2016-01-01 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive Wi-Fi information by leveraging access to the local physical environment, aka internal bug 25266660.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2022
This vulnerability affects android devices running versions prior to 5.1.1 LMY49F and 6.0 before 2016-01-01, representing a significant security flaw in the wireless networking subsystem. The issue stems from insufficient protection mechanisms that allow attackers with physical access to the device to extract sensitive Wi-Fi information through exploitation of the local environment. This weakness specifically targets the Wi-Fi configuration and credential storage mechanisms within the android operating system, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure that could compromise network security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper access controls and insufficient encryption of Wi-Fi credentials stored within the device's memory. Attackers with local physical access can leverage this flaw to extract stored network credentials, including SSID information, authentication parameters, and potentially encryption keys. The vulnerability exists because the system fails to adequately protect sensitive data even when the device is in a locked state, creating a persistent security risk that remains active regardless of the device's lock status or user authentication state.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to corporate and personal network resources without requiring network-level credentials or advanced exploitation techniques. The attack vector requires only physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in environments where devices may be left unattended or lost. This flaw significantly weakens the security posture of affected android devices and could lead to unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the compromised credentials are used.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses, and represents a failure in proper data protection mechanisms. From an attack framework perspective, this issue maps to several ATT&CK techniques including credential access and privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to obtain network credentials that can be used for further compromise. The flaw particularly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of network communications, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access to wireless networks and monitor or manipulate network traffic.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including mandatory system updates to the latest android versions, enhanced device management policies, and physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access. Network administrators should consider implementing additional authentication layers and monitoring for suspicious network access patterns. The vulnerability underscores the importance of comprehensive security testing and regular patch management processes, as it demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in system design can create significant security risks when combined with physical access opportunities. Device manufacturers and security teams must prioritize addressing such vulnerabilities through robust encryption mechanisms and proper access control implementations to prevent unauthorized information disclosure.