CVE-2018-19980 in Nebula Capsule Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Anker Nebula Capsule Pro NBUI_M1_V2.1.9 devices allow attackers to cause a denial of service (reboot of the underlying Android 7.1.2 operating system) via a crafted application that sends data to WifiService.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2020
The Anker Nebula Capsule Pro NBUI_M1_V2.1.9 device represents a smart projector system running on Android 7.1.2 operating system which exposes a critical vulnerability allowing remote attackers to induce unauthorized device reboots through malicious WifiService interactions. This vulnerability specifically targets the underlying Android framework's Wi-Fi service implementation, creating a pathway for attackers to disrupt device operations without requiring physical access or elevated privileges. The flaw exists within the device's wireless communication handling mechanisms, where improperly validated input data from crafted applications can trigger system-level reboots. Such a vulnerability falls under the category of denial of service attacks that can be executed remotely, making it particularly concerning for consumer devices that are often deployed in unsecured environments. The affected Android 7.1.2 operating system version contains inherent weaknesses in its Wi-Fi service management that fail to properly sanitize or validate incoming data streams from applications, creating an exploitable condition that adversaries can leverage.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully constructed malicious application that communicates with the device's WifiService component. When such an application sends specifically crafted data packets to the Wi-Fi service, it triggers an unexpected behavior within the Android framework that results in immediate system reboot. This type of flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overflow or input validation vulnerability where the system fails to properly handle malformed data inputs. The attack vector operates at the system level rather than requiring user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed automatically without user awareness. This vulnerability can be classified under CWE-121 as a buffer overflow condition or CWE-122 as a buffer overflow in a system call, both of which are well-documented patterns in Android security vulnerabilities. The attack follows the ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service, where adversaries target system services to cause operational disruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device disruption as it can create persistent availability issues for users who rely on the projector for presentations, entertainment, or professional applications. The unauthorized rebooting capability allows attackers to effectively deny service to legitimate users, potentially causing data loss, interrupted meetings, or compromised security during critical operations. For enterprise deployments where multiple devices are used in conference rooms or training environments, this vulnerability could result in significant productivity losses and increased administrative overhead. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical proximity to the device, potentially allowing for widespread disruption across multiple locations. The Android 7.1.2 operating system version is particularly susceptible due to its age and lack of modern security mitigations, making the device an attractive target for adversaries seeking to exploit known weaknesses in legacy systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. Device manufacturers should implement firmware updates that properly validate all inputs to the WifiService component, ensuring that malformed data cannot trigger system reboots. The Android system should be patched to include proper bounds checking and input sanitization within the Wi-Fi service framework. Network administrators should consider implementing firewall rules that restrict communication with the device's Wi-Fi service from untrusted networks, while also monitoring for unusual reboot patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Users should be advised to avoid installing untrusted applications that may interact with system services and to keep device firmware updated. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security testing during device development phases, particularly for IoT and embedded systems that operate in unsecured environments. Organizations should also implement security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with denial of service attacks, enabling rapid response to potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other system components that may present comparable risks to device availability and operational integrity.