CVE-2016-1490 in SHAREit
Summary
by MITRE
The Wifi hotspot in Lenovo SHAREit before 3.2.0 for Windows allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive file names via a crafted file request to /list.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1490 affects Lenovo SHAREit versions prior to 3.2.0 for Windows operating systems, specifically targeting the WiFi hotspot functionality within the application. This represents a significant security flaw that exposes sensitive file information to remote attackers through a carefully crafted file request mechanism. The vulnerability resides in how the application handles file listing requests, creating an avenue for unauthorized information disclosure that could potentially lead to broader security compromises.
The technical implementation flaw occurs within the file sharing protocol of SHAREit's WiFi hotspot feature, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize incoming file requests sent to the /list endpoint. Attackers can exploit this by sending a specially crafted request that bypasses normal access controls and retrieves directory listings containing sensitive file names. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure, where the attacker gains unauthorized visibility into the file structure of the victim's system without proper authentication or authorization. The flaw demonstrates inadequate input validation and insufficient access control mechanisms within the application's network communication layer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that could facilitate more sophisticated attacks. Once an attacker obtains the list of sensitive files, they can identify potentially valuable targets such as personal documents, financial records, or confidential business information. This reconnaissance capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and represents a foundational step in the attack chain that could lead to data exfiltration, lateral movement, or privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects any Windows system running SHAREit versions before 3.2.0, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of this file sharing application.
The security implications of this vulnerability are compounded by the fact that it operates at the network level, allowing remote exploitation without requiring physical access to the target system. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the CWE-20 category of "Improper Input Validation," specifically manifesting as CWE-200 "Information Exposure" due to the exposure of sensitive file names. Organizations using vulnerable versions of SHAREit face potential risks including data leakage, privacy violations, and compliance violations under data protection regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper network service hardening and the need for comprehensive security testing of file sharing applications that operate in peer-to-peer or hotspot modes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to SHAREit version 3.2.0 or later, which implements proper input validation and access controls for file listing requests. Network administrators should also consider implementing firewall rules to restrict access to the application's network ports and consider disabling the WiFi hotspot functionality when it is not actively needed. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of running outdated software and the importance of keeping applications updated. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices, particularly in applications that handle file sharing and network communication, and the necessity of thorough security testing before deployment in enterprise environments.