CVE-2016-1492 in SHAREit
Summary
by MITRE
The Wifi hotspot in Lenovo SHAREit before 3.5.48_ww for Android, when configured to receive files, does not require a password, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access by leveraging a position within the WLAN coverage area.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1492 affects Lenovo SHAREit version 3.5.48_ww and earlier for Android devices, specifically within the WiFi hotspot functionality. This security flaw represents a critical configuration oversight that undermines the fundamental security assumptions of wireless file transfer applications. The vulnerability exists in the hotspot provisioning mechanism where the application fails to enforce authentication requirements for file reception capabilities, creating an exploitable entry point for unauthorized access within the wireless network coverage area.
This technical flaw stems from inadequate access control implementation within the application's network configuration protocols. The absence of password protection for the hotspot function creates a persistent security weakness that allows any device within the wireless range to establish connections and potentially access the file transfer capabilities without proper authentication. The vulnerability operates at the network layer where wireless access points are configured without mandatory credential verification, violating standard security practices for wireless communication services. This issue directly maps to CWE-305 authentication weakness, specifically concerning the lack of proper authentication mechanisms for network access points.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating potential risks for data confidentiality and integrity within the wireless network environment. Remote attackers positioned within the WLAN coverage area can exploit this weakness to gain access to files being received through the SHAREit application, potentially leading to data breaches, intellectual property theft, or unauthorized file transfers. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be accomplished through standard wireless network scanning tools, making it particularly dangerous in environments where sensitive data is frequently transferred. This weakness effectively reduces the security posture of the device to that of an open wireless access point, violating the principle of least privilege in network security.
Organizations and individual users should immediately update to Lenovo SHAREit version 3.5.48_ww or later, which implements proper authentication requirements for hotspot functionality. Network administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring and access control measures to detect unauthorized wireless access points within their environments. The mitigation strategy should include regular security assessments of mobile applications and wireless network configurations to identify similar authentication weaknesses. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing robust authentication mechanisms for all network services, particularly those involving file transfer and data exchange operations. The issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 network service scanning and T1071 application layer protocol, highlighting the need for comprehensive network security controls that address both external and internal wireless threats.