Cybersecurity researchers at SafeBreach have uncovered multiple critical vulnerabilities in Quick Share, a popular file-sharing utility developed by Google. These security flaws could potentially expose millions of Windows and Android users to man-in-the-middle (MiTM) attacks and unauthorized file transfers, highlighting the importance of prompt security updates and vigilant cybersecurity practices.
Understanding Quick Share and Its Vulnerabilities
Quick Share, formerly known as Nearby Share, is a peer-to-peer file transfer tool that enables seamless sharing between Android, Chrome, and Windows devices. It utilizes various technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, WebRTC, and NFC to facilitate nearby device communication. However, SafeBreach’s investigation into Quick Share’s application-layer protocol revealed ten significant vulnerabilities, including issues that could lead to remote code execution on Windows systems.
Key Vulnerabilities Identified
The discovered vulnerabilities encompass a range of security risks:
- Unauthorized file writing on both Windows and Android platforms
- Forced Wi-Fi connections on Windows devices
- Remote directory traversal issues
- Denial of Service (DoS) vulnerabilities
These flaws could allow attackers to write files remotely without user consent, crash the Windows application, redirect traffic to specific Wi-Fi access points, and execute path traversal attacks.
Implications of the Quick Share Vulnerabilities
The severity of these vulnerabilities is underscored by their CVSS scores: CVE-2024-38271 scored 5.9, while CVE-2024-38272 received a more critical 7.1 rating. The latter vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows attackers to bypass the file acceptance dialog on Windows, enabling unauthorized file transfers even when the device is set to receive files only from contacts.
Man-in-the-Middle Attack Vector
Researchers demonstrated how Quick Share’s Wi-Fi HotSpot feature could be exploited to intercept traffic from responding devices. By causing the Quick Share application to crash on the responding device after connecting to a Wi-Fi access point, attackers could establish a persistent connection for executing MiTM attacks (CVE-2024-38271).
Remote Code Execution Chain
SafeBreach experts uncovered a potential remote code execution (RCE) chain by leveraging CVE-2024-38271. This attack vector allows malicious actors to identify when executable files are downloaded through a browser and then overwrite them with malicious code using a path traversal vulnerability.
Mitigation and Security Recommendations
Google has addressed these vulnerabilities in Quick Share version 1.0.1724.0. Users of Quick Share on both Windows and Android platforms are strongly advised to update their applications immediately. Additionally, cybersecurity experts recommend implementing the following best practices:
- Regularly update all software and operating systems
- Use caution when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks
- Implement robust endpoint protection solutions
- Educate users about the risks of unauthorized file transfers and suspicious network connections
The discovery of these vulnerabilities in Quick Share serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining cybersecurity in an increasingly connected world. As file-sharing utilities continue to evolve and become more integrated into our daily lives, it is crucial for both developers and users to remain vigilant and prioritize security. By staying informed about potential threats and following best practices, we can collectively work towards a safer digital ecosystem.
