CVE-2018-9382
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a malicious app in a non-owner profile on Android devices to activate Wi-Fi hotspot functionality without proper permissions. It enables local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction. Affects Android devices with multiple user profiles enabled.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker could enable Wi-Fi hotspot without user knowledge, potentially exposing network traffic or using device bandwidth for malicious purposes while appearing as legitimate hotspot activity.
Likely Case
Malicious app in secondary user profile activates hotspot to intercept traffic or use device as unauthorized access point, potentially leading to data leakage or unauthorized network access.
If Mitigated
With proper Android security updates, the permission check prevents unauthorized hotspot activation, limiting hotspot functionality to device owner only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires malicious app installation in non-owner profile. No user interaction needed once app is installed. Local access to device required.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android security patch level 2018-06-05 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2018-06-01
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Check for Android system updates in Settings > System > Advanced > System update. 2. Install Android security patch dated 2018-06-05 or later. 3. Verify patch installation in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable multiple user profiles
AndroidRemove or disable secondary user profiles to eliminate attack vector
Settings > System > Multiple users > Remove user profiles
Restrict app installations
AndroidPrevent app installations in secondary user profiles
Settings > Apps & notifications > Advanced > Special app access > Install unknown apps > Disable for all apps
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Wi-Fi hotspot functionality completely if not needed
- Monitor for unauthorized hotspot activation through network monitoring tools
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level in Settings > About phone. If date is before 2018-06-05 and Android version is 8.0-8.1, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Android security patch level shows 2018-06-05 or later date. Attempt to activate hotspot from secondary user profile should fail with permission error.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected Wi-Fi hotspot activation events in system logs
- Permission denial logs for WifiService from non-owner profiles
Network Indicators:
- Unauthorized Wi-Fi hotspot SSIDs matching device naming conventions
- Unexpected network traffic routing through device
SIEM Query:
source="android_system" AND (event="WIFI_HOTSPOT_ACTIVATED" OR event="WIFI_SERVICE_PERMISSION_DENIED") AND user_profile!="owner"