CVE-2024-49421 in Quick Share Agent
Summary
by MITRE • 12/03/2024
Path traversal in Quick Share Agent prior to version 3.5.14.47 in Android 12, 3.5.19.41 in Android 13, and 3.5.19.42 in Android 14 allows adjacent attackers to write file in arbitrary location.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-49421 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the Quick Share Agent component of Android operating systems. This security weakness affects multiple Android versions including Android 12, 13, and 14, with specific affected versions being prior to 3.5.14.47, 3.5.19.41, and 3.5.19.42 respectively. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper path handling within the file sharing functionality that enables malicious actors to manipulate file paths and write content to arbitrary locations on the device. This flaw specifically impacts the Quick Share Agent which is responsible for facilitating file transfers between devices through wireless connections.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the lack of proper path sanitization in the file writing operations performed by the Quick Share Agent. When the agent processes file transfer requests, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the destination paths provided by the user or remote device, creating an opportunity for path traversal attacks. Attackers can manipulate the file path parameters to navigate outside of intended directories and write files to system locations that should normally be restricted. This vulnerability is classified as a path traversal issue under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides adjacent attackers with the capability to execute unauthorized file operations on affected devices. An attacker positioned within the wireless range of a vulnerable device can leverage this flaw to write malicious files to critical system locations, potentially leading to persistent malware installation, system compromise, or data corruption. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Quick Share functionality is designed for convenient file transfers and typically operates with elevated privileges. This vulnerability can be exploited to install backdoors, modify system files, or create persistent access points on compromised devices, making it a serious threat to device security and user privacy.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-49421 should focus on updating affected Android versions to the patched releases mentioned in the advisory. Organizations and users must ensure immediate deployment of security patches for Android 12, 13, and 14 operating systems to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, network administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual file transfer activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could potentially use this flaw to establish persistent access through file manipulation. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing additional input validation mechanisms and privilege separation for file operations within the Quick Share Agent to reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities in future implementations.