CVE-2018-15482 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Certain LG devices based on Android 6.0 through 8.1 have incorrect access control for MLT application intents. The LG ID is LVE-SMP-180006.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15482 represents a critical access control flaw affecting numerous LG mobile devices running Android versions from 6.0 through 8.1. This weakness specifically targets the MLT application intents mechanism, which serves as a communication pathway between different applications and system components on the affected devices. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of intent permissions within the LG-specific implementation of Android's intent system, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by malicious applications or attackers with compromised device access.
The technical flaw manifests in the MLT application intent handling where the system fails to properly enforce access controls that should normally prevent unauthorized applications from receiving or executing specific intent broadcasts. This misconfiguration allows for privilege escalation and unauthorized access to sensitive system functions that should be restricted to legitimate system applications or authorized third-party components. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the Android framework level, making it difficult to detect and remediate through standard application-level security measures. The issue falls under the CWE-284 category of Improper Access Control, which specifically addresses weaknesses in the enforcement of access control mechanisms within software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it potentially enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges or gain unauthorized access to protected system resources. Attackers could exploit this weakness to bypass normal application boundaries and access functionality that should be restricted, potentially leading to complete device compromise. The affected LG devices span multiple model lines and generations, amplifying the potential attack surface and making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where LG devices may be widely deployed. This flaw could be leveraged for persistent threats, data exfiltration, or as a stepping stone for further exploitation within networked environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-15482 should prioritize immediate device updates from LG and Google, as the vulnerability affects core Android framework components that require system-level patches. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies to ensure all affected LG devices receive security updates promptly. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious intent-based communications and consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized applications from exploiting the access control bypass. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation tactic. Security teams should also consider deploying endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for anomalous intent handling patterns, as traditional network-based detection methods may not effectively identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific access control weakness.