CVE-2022-33697 in Smart Phone
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2022
Sensitive information exposure vulnerability in ImsServiceSwitchBase in ImsCore prior to SMR Jul-2022 Release 1 allows local attackers with log access permission to get IMSI through device log.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-33697 represents a critical sensitive information exposure flaw within the ImsServiceSwitchBase component of the ImsCore framework in Android devices. This vulnerability specifically affects devices running Android versions prior to the SMR Jul-2022 Release 1 security patch. The flaw stems from improper handling of sensitive telecommunications data within the device's logging mechanisms, creating an avenue for local attackers to extract critical subscriber information from device logs. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it directly exposes the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, which serves as a unique identifier for mobile network subscribers and is essential for tracking and identifying users across cellular networks. This exposure occurs when the ImsServiceSwitchBase component fails to adequately sanitize or filter sensitive data before writing it to system logs, allowing unauthorized access to confidential telecommunications information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper logging of IMSI values within the ImsCore framework's service switch functionality. When the ImsServiceSwitchBase component processes incoming telephony signals or manages IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) services, it inadvertently includes the IMSI in log entries without proper data sanitization. This occurs because the logging mechanism does not distinguish between regular operational data and sensitive subscriber information, leading to the persistence of IMSI values in accessible log files. Attackers with local access permissions and log reading capabilities can then extract this information by examining the device's log files, which are typically stored in accessible locations within the Android file system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and demonstrates a clear failure in data protection mechanisms that should prevent sensitive information from being written to potentially accessible storage locations. This flaw represents a significant compromise in the principle of least privilege and data minimization, as it allows for the unauthorized disclosure of personally identifiable information that could be used for identity theft, location tracking, or targeted attacks against users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating substantial risks for user privacy and network security. The exposure of IMSI numbers provides attackers with the capability to track mobile device users across different network locations, as IMSI values remain consistent across network switches and can be used to correlate user activity over time. This tracking capability can be exploited for surveillance purposes, allowing threat actors to monitor user movements, communication patterns, and potentially identify sensitive locations or activities. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks such as SIM swapping attacks, where attackers use the exposed IMSI information to impersonate legitimate users and gain unauthorized access to their mobile accounts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1070 (Indicator Removal on Host) through the creation of persistent logging artifacts, and T1566 (Phishing) as the exposure of IMSI information can facilitate more targeted social engineering attacks. The vulnerability particularly affects mobile network operators, device manufacturers, and end users by creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited for extended periods before detection and remediation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-33697 require immediate implementation of security patches and proactive log management practices. Device manufacturers and mobile network operators should prioritize deployment of the SMR Jul-2022 Release 1 security updates that address this vulnerability through proper data sanitization in the logging mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive log access controls and monitoring systems to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive log files. The implementation of data loss prevention measures including log filtering, access auditing, and regular security assessments can help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before exploitation. Security teams should also establish protocols for regular log reviews to identify potential exposure of sensitive information, particularly focusing on telecommunications data and subscriber identifiers. Organizations should consider implementing automated log analysis tools that can detect and alert on the presence of sensitive identifiers such as IMSI numbers in log files, providing an additional layer of protection against information disclosure attacks. These mitigations align with industry best practices for information security management and help address the underlying root causes that enable this type of sensitive data exposure vulnerability.