CVE-2018-18698 in Mi A1
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Xiaomi Mi A1 tissot_sprout:8.1.0/OPM1.171019.026/V9.6.4.0.ODHMIFE devices. They store cleartext Wi-Fi passwords in logcat during the process of setting up the phone as a hotspot.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2020
This vulnerability exists on Xiaomi Mi A1 devices running Android 8.1.0 with specific firmware versions, where the system fails to properly sanitize sensitive information during hotspot configuration processes. The flaw allows cleartext Wi-Fi passwords to be written to logcat output, creating an information disclosure risk that can be exploited by malicious actors with physical access to the device. The vulnerability specifically affects the tissot_sprout hardware platform and occurs during the initial phone setup procedure when hotspot functionality is configured. This represents a critical security oversight in how the device handles sensitive network credentials during provisioning.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive data within the Android system logging framework. During hotspot setup, the device's network management components write the cleartext password directly to logcat without any sanitization or encryption mechanisms. This behavior violates fundamental security principles for credential handling and demonstrates a failure in proper input validation and output sanitization. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-209, Information Exposure Through an Error Message, and also relates to CWE-312, Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information. The flaw occurs at the system level rather than within application code, making it particularly concerning as it affects the core operating system functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for users who may be in environments where physical access to devices is possible or when devices are lost or stolen. An attacker with local access to the device can easily extract the cleartext password from logcat output, potentially gaining unauthorized access to networks that the device has been configured to share. This creates a persistent security risk that extends beyond the immediate device compromise, as the stolen credentials can be used to access networks even after the device is no longer in the attacker's possession. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, File and Directory Discovery, and T1552, Unsecured Credentials, as it enables unauthorized access to network resources through credential exposure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate device-level protections and long-term system improvements. Users should immediately disable hotspot functionality if not required and ensure all devices are updated to the latest firmware versions provided by Xiaomi. System administrators should implement device management policies that disable unnecessary network sharing features and enforce regular security updates. The proper fix requires modifying the Android system components to sanitize sensitive data before writing to logcat, implementing proper credential handling protocols, and ensuring that all network configuration processes properly encrypt or obfuscate sensitive information. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can monitor for and prevent unauthorized network sharing activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper security testing of system-level components, particularly those handling sensitive user data.