CVE-2024-20815 in Smart Phone
Summary
by MITRE • 02/06/2024
Improper authentication vulnerability in onCharacteristicReadRequest in Auto Hotspot prior to SMR Feb-2024 Release 1 allows adjacent attackers connect to victim's mobile hotspot without user awareness.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20815 represents a critical authentication flaw within the Auto Hotspot functionality of mobile devices, specifically affecting versions prior to the SMR February 2024 security release. This weakness resides in the onCharacteristicReadRequest method implementation, which governs how Bluetooth Low Energy characteristics are read and processed. The flaw enables adjacent attackers to establish unauthorized connections to victim mobile hotspots without detection or user consent, creating a significant security risk for mobile device users who rely on hotspot functionality for internet connectivity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms during the Bluetooth characteristic reading process. When a device attempts to read specific Bluetooth characteristics related to hotspot configuration, the system fails to properly validate the identity of the connecting device or user. This improper authentication allows malicious actors within physical proximity to exploit the Bluetooth interface and gain access to the mobile hotspot service. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the Bluetooth stack, specifically targeting the characteristic read request handling mechanism that should enforce proper access controls and user verification before granting access to hotspot settings.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-20815 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data exfiltration, network-based attacks, and privacy violations. Adjacent attackers can leverage this vulnerability to intercept network traffic, access sensitive information transmitted over the hotspot, and potentially use the compromised connection as a pivot point for broader network infiltration. The lack of user awareness during exploitation means victims remain oblivious to the unauthorized access, creating a persistent security threat that can persist until the device is updated or the hotspot is manually disabled. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in network access control.
Organizations and individual users should prioritize immediate remediation through the installation of the SMR February 2024 security update, which addresses the authentication flaw in the Auto Hotspot implementation. Network administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual Bluetooth activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Device manufacturers should consider implementing additional security controls such as Bluetooth proximity-based access restrictions and enhanced user notification systems for hotspot access events. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust authentication mechanisms in mobile device security frameworks and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol usage for command and control communications. Users should also be advised to disable hotspot functionality when not actively needed and to maintain regular security updates to protect against similar vulnerabilities in the future.
This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the security implications inherent in mobile device Bluetooth implementations and the necessity for comprehensive authentication mechanisms in wireless connectivity features. The flaw's ability to operate without user awareness underscores the importance of proactive security measures and the need for continuous vulnerability assessment in mobile device ecosystems. Security professionals should conduct thorough assessments of similar Bluetooth implementations across their device fleets to identify and remediate comparable authentication weaknesses that could enable similar unauthorized access scenarios.