CVE-2022-30752 in Smart Phone
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2022
Improper access control vulnerability in sendDHCPACKBroadcast function of SemWifiApClient prior to SMR Jul-2022 Release 1 allows attacker to access wifi ap client mac address that connected by using WIFI_AP_STA_STATE_CHANGED action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-30752 represents a critical improper access control flaw within the SemWifiApClient component of a wireless networking system. This weakness exists specifically in the sendDHCPACKBroadcast function and affects versions prior to the SMR Jul-2022 Release 1. The vulnerability stems from insufficient authorization checks that allow unauthorized entities to access sensitive information about connected wireless clients. The flaw is particularly concerning because it exposes MAC addresses of devices connected to WiFi access points through a specific system action known as WIFI_AP_STA_STATE_CHANGED.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a function that handles DHCP acknowledgment broadcasts within a wireless access point environment. When the sendDHCPACKBroadcast function processes network traffic, it fails to properly validate the permissions of entities attempting to access client information. This access control failure occurs during the processing of the WIFI_AP_STA_STATE_CHANGED action, which is typically used to notify the system of changes in wireless station connectivity status. The improper access control mechanism allows attackers to bypass normal authorization protocols and extract MAC address information from connected wireless clients.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as MAC addresses serve as critical identifiers in wireless network security and tracking. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to enumerate connected devices on a wireless network, potentially enabling further attacks such as deauthentication attacks, man-in-the-middle scenarios, or targeted social engineering operations. The exposure of MAC addresses can also facilitate tracking of user movements and device usage patterns, creating privacy concerns for both individual users and organizations. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise and consumer wireless networking infrastructure where multiple devices connect to the same access point.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. The flaw demonstrates a clear failure in implementing proper authorization checks within network communication functions. Additionally, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through social engineering, as the exposed MAC addresses can be used in conjunction with other attacks to establish more sophisticated targeting approaches. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability through the SMR Jul-2022 Release 1 or equivalent security updates that properly implement access control validation. The recommended mitigation strategy includes enforcing strict access controls within the sendDHCPACKBroadcast function and implementing proper authentication mechanisms before allowing any client information retrieval operations. Network administrators should also consider monitoring for unusual access patterns related to the WIFI_AP_STA_STATE_CHANGED action to detect potential exploitation attempts.