CVE-2018-14985 in Z5C
Summary
by MITRE
The Leagoo Z5C Android device with a build fingerprint of sp7731c_1h10_32v4_bird:6.0/MRA58K/android.20170629.214736:user/release-keys contains a pre-installed platform app with a package name of com.android.settings (versionCode=23, versionName=6.0-android.20170630.092853) that contains an exported broadcast receiver that allows any app co-located on the device to programmatically initiate a factory reset. In addition, the app initiating the factory reset does not require any permissions. A factory reset will remove all user data and apps from the device. This will result in the loss of any data that have not been backed up or synced externally. The capability to perform a factory reset is not directly available to third-party apps (those that the user installs themselves with the exception of enabled Mobile Device Management (MDM) apps), although this capability can be obtained by leveraging an unprotected app component of a pre-installed platform app.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14985 represents a critical security flaw in the Leagoo Z5C Android device, specifically within its pre-installed platform application com.android.settings. This issue stems from the improper exposure of a broadcast receiver component that was designed to be accessible to any application running on the same device. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-668, which describes "Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere" where a resource is made available to a context that should not have access to it. The affected application carries version code 23 with version name 6.0-android.20170630.092853 and operates with a build fingerprint of sp7731c_1h10_32v4_bird:6.0/MRA58K/android.20170629.214736:user/release-keys, indicating a specific hardware and software configuration that contains this security weakness.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows any co-located application to programmatically trigger a factory reset operation without requiring any specific permissions or authentication mechanisms. This flaw fundamentally undermines the device's security model by providing unauthorized access to a critical system function that should be restricted to legitimate system components or user-initiated actions. The broadcast receiver in question is exported, meaning it can be invoked by any application with the appropriate intent, and the absence of permission requirements creates a pathway for malicious actors to exploit this functionality. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and represents a failure in Android's security architecture where platform applications should not expose functionality that could compromise device integrity or user data without proper authorization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it enables any application installed on the device to perform a complete factory reset operation that results in permanent data loss. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where pre-installed applications have elevated privileges and can potentially be leveraged by malware or malicious applications that are co-located on the device. Users who are unaware of this vulnerability face significant risk of data loss, as their personal information, applications, and device configurations can be erased without their knowledge or consent. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to perform denial-of-service attacks by repeatedly triggering factory resets, effectively rendering the device unusable until the user manually reconfigures it. The lack of any permission requirements means that even applications that the user has not explicitly granted special privileges to can exploit this functionality, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications are present.
The implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple data loss, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in Android's security model and could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks within the context of the ATT&CK framework. The vulnerability could be used as part of a broader attack chain where an adversary first gains access to a device through other means and then uses this factory reset capability to cover their tracks or prevent forensic analysis. From a security perspective, this issue demonstrates the importance of proper component exposure controls and the need for comprehensive security reviews of pre-installed platform applications. Organizations and users should be aware that this vulnerability affects not only individual devices but also represents a potential vector for large-scale attacks if similar flaws exist in other devices with comparable configurations. The vulnerability highlights the necessity for proper security testing of system applications and the importance of following secure coding practices that prevent unauthorized access to critical system functions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate device-level protections and long-term architectural improvements. Users should be advised to avoid installing untrusted applications that might co-locate with system applications, and device manufacturers should implement proper permission checking mechanisms for all exported components. The recommended approach includes disabling or removing the vulnerable broadcast receiver, implementing proper authentication requirements for factory reset functionality, and ensuring that all system applications properly validate their callers. Security patches should be deployed to address the underlying exposure of the broadcast receiver, and organizations should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can monitor and control application behavior. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of regular security audits and the need for robust security testing of system-level components to prevent similar issues from occurring in future device releases. The fix should involve restricting access to the factory reset functionality to only trusted system components and requiring appropriate permissions for any application attempting to trigger this operation, thereby aligning with security best practices established in industry standards and frameworks.