CVE-2018-14982 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Certain LG devices based on Android 6.0 through 8.1 have incorrect access control in the GNSS application. The LG ID is LVE-SMP-180004.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2020
This vulnerability affects LG mobile devices running Android versions 6.0 through 8.1, specifically within the Global Navigation Satellite System application that handles GPS and location services. The flaw represents a critical access control weakness that allows unauthorized applications to gain elevated privileges and access sensitive location data without proper authentication. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of application permissions and improper enforcement of security boundaries within the GNSS subsystem, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the device's location services functionality. This issue falls under CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through system services. The vulnerability enables attackers to potentially intercept location data, track user movements, and access other sensitive information that should be restricted to authorized system components only.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows for privilege escalation within the GNSS application context, where standard applications can bypass normal security checks to access location services and related system resources. This occurs due to missing or inadequate permission verification mechanisms that should normally restrict access to location data and satellite positioning services. The vulnerability manifests when applications attempt to interact with the GNSS service without proper authorization, exploiting a gap in the Android security model that should have prevented such unauthorized access. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain persistent access to location information and potentially use this data for targeted attacks or surveillance activities. The affected LG devices include various models that implement the vulnerable GNSS application, with the specific LG identifier LVE-SMP-180004 marking the scope of devices impacted by this access control failure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple location tracking to encompass potential privacy violations and security breaches that could compromise user safety and data integrity. Mobile device users may experience unauthorized collection of their geolocation data, which could be exploited for financial fraud, stalking, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the device operates with the vulnerable firmware, potentially allowing attackers to maintain long-term access to location information without detection. This weakness particularly affects users who rely on their mobile devices for sensitive activities or who may be targeted by sophisticated adversaries seeking to exploit location data for operational purposes. The impact is amplified by the widespread adoption of Android devices and the fundamental reliance on location services for various applications and security features.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from LG and Android security patches to address the access control implementation flaws. Organizations and users must ensure their devices are updated to the latest security patches that correct the GNSS application permission handling and restore proper access controls. Network administrators should monitor for potential exploitation attempts and implement additional security controls such as application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized access to location services. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security testing for system services and the need for comprehensive access control validation in mobile operating systems. Security teams should conduct regular assessments of device security configurations and implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to location services. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining secure mobile device configurations and the necessity of regular security updates to protect against known access control weaknesses.