CVE-2018-16271 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-16271, a vulnerability in Samsung Galaxy Gear series allowing unauthorized access to mailboxes and arbitrary email sending. Find mitigation steps and prevention measures.
A vulnerability in the wemail consumer service of Samsung Galaxy Gear series allows unauthorized access to a user's mailbox and the sending of arbitrary emails.
Understanding CVE-2018-16271
What is CVE-2018-16271?
The vulnerability arises from improper D-Bus security policy configurations in the wemail consumer service of Samsung Galaxy Gear series' built-in application, enabling unauthorized mailbox tampering and email sending.
The Impact of CVE-2018-16271
The vulnerability allows an unauthorized process to tamper with a user's mailbox and send arbitrary emails from the mailbox using a paired smartphone.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-16271
Vulnerability Description
The issue is present in the Tizen-based firmwares, specifically affecting Samsung Galaxy Gear series prior to build RE2. It allows unauthorized access to user mailboxes and the sending of arbitrary emails.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions: Not applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability is exploited through improper D-Bus security policy configurations in the wemail consumer service of Samsung Galaxy Gear series' built-in application.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update to the latest firmware version that addresses the vulnerability.
- Avoid connecting the affected device to untrusted networks.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update all software and firmware to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential breaches.
- Educate users on safe email practices and the risks of unauthorized access.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by Samsung for the Galaxy Gear series.