CVE-2022-33694 in Smart Phone
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2022
Exposure of Sensitive Information in CSC application prior to SMR Jul-2022 Release 1 allows local attacker to access wifi information via unprotected intent broadcasting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-33694 represents a critical security flaw in the CSC application that existed prior to the July 2022 Security Maintenance Release. This issue stems from improper handling of sensitive information within the application's intent broadcasting mechanisms, creating an exploitable pathway for local attackers to gain unauthorized access to wireless network credentials and configuration details. The vulnerability specifically affects devices running versions of the CSC application that were released before the mentioned security update, leaving millions of users exposed to potential information disclosure risks.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the application's failure to properly secure intent broadcasts that contain sensitive wireless network information. When the CSC application communicates wireless configuration data through Android's intent system, it does not implement appropriate security controls to prevent unauthorized access. This flaw allows local malicious applications or compromised processes to intercept and access the unprotected intent broadcasts that contain SSID, password, and other wireless network credentials. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information, and represents a classic example of improper information flow control within mobile applications. The intent broadcasting mechanism, which should normally be restricted to authorized components only, becomes an attack vector due to the lack of proper access control enforcement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise wireless network security and facilitate further attacks. Local attackers with malicious applications installed on the device can exploit this vulnerability to extract wireless network credentials, which could then be used for unauthorized network access, man-in-the-middle attacks, or as a stepping stone for lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of wireless network information, potentially exposing users to various security threats including unauthorized network access, data interception, and credential theft. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1566.001 (Phishing for Information) and T1046 (Network Service Scanning) as attackers can leverage the stolen wireless credentials for network reconnaissance and unauthorized access. The exposure of wireless network information also impacts the availability of secure network communications, as attackers can potentially disrupt network services or create unauthorized access points.
Organizations and users should immediately implement mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommended action is to update to the SMR July 2022 Release 1 or later versions that contain the necessary security patches. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify affected devices and ensure timely deployment of security updates. Additionally, implementing mobile device management policies that enforce automatic security updates can help prevent exploitation. Network security teams should monitor for unusual wireless network access patterns that might indicate credential theft or unauthorized network access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper intent security controls and access restriction mechanisms in mobile applications, highlighting the need for regular security audits and adherence to secure coding practices. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures that can detect and prevent unauthorized network access attempts even if credentials are compromised. The incident underscores the critical nature of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential consequences of delayed vulnerability remediation in mobile environments.