Source: cve@mitre.org
The Missing Device feature in Lookout allows physically proximate attackers to provide arbitrary location data via a "commonly available simple GPS location spoofer."
Lookout's Missing Device feature is vulnerable to location spoofing, allowing attackers to provide false GPS data. This flaw enables attackers to mislead users and potentially compromise sensitive location-based services. The vulnerability leverages a 'commonly available simple GPS location spoofer' to inject arbitrary location data into the application.
Step 1: Preparation: The attacker obtains a 'commonly available simple GPS location spoofer' tool. These tools typically involve software or hardware that can transmit GPS signals with custom coordinates. Step 2: Spoofing: The attacker configures the GPS spoofer to transmit the desired, malicious GPS coordinates. This could be a location different from the victim's actual location. Step 3: Proximity: The attacker positions the GPS spoofer within physical proximity of the target device running Lookout's Missing Device feature. The proximity requirement is likely due to the nature of the GPS signal and the spoofer's range. Step 4: Data Injection: The GPS spoofer transmits the spoofed GPS data, which is then received by the target device's GPS receiver. Step 5: Data Acceptance: Lookout's Missing Device feature, lacking proper validation, accepts the spoofed GPS data as legitimate. Step 6: Data Display/Action: The application displays the spoofed location to the user, and the application's location-based features are triggered based on the spoofed data.
The root cause lies in the lack of proper input validation and authentication within the Lookout application's Missing Device feature. The application fails to adequately verify the source and integrity of GPS data received from external sources. Specifically, the application trusts location data provided by a 'commonly available simple GPS location spoofer' without verifying its authenticity or origin. This allows an attacker to inject malicious GPS coordinates, bypassing the application's intended location tracking mechanisms. The flaw is not a specific code-level vulnerability like a buffer overflow or SQL injection, but rather a design flaw in how the application handles external location data. The application's design assumes the integrity of the GPS data source without implementing any safeguards against spoofing.
While no specific APTs or malware are directly linked to this CVE, the nature of the vulnerability could be exploited by any actor seeking to track or misdirect a target. This could include nation-state actors, cybercriminals, or even individuals with malicious intent. The lack of specific threat intelligence is due to the age of the vulnerability and the lack of readily available exploit details. CISA KEV status: Not Listed.
Monitor network traffic for unusual GPS data transmissions, especially from devices within close physical proximity.
Analyze application logs for discrepancies between reported location data and known device locations.
Implement GPS signal integrity checks to identify and flag potentially spoofed location data.
Monitor for the use of GPS spoofing tools within the network environment.
Implement robust input validation to verify the authenticity and integrity of all incoming GPS data.
Authenticate the source of GPS data to prevent unauthorized data injection.
Employ techniques such as signal strength analysis and time-of-flight measurements to detect GPS spoofing attempts.
Implement a location-based security policy, such as requiring multi-factor authentication for sensitive actions performed at suspicious locations.
Regularly update the Lookout application to incorporate security patches and mitigations.