CVE-2018-14989
CVE-2018-14989 is a high-severity vulnerability in Plum-mobile Compass Firmware with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-20.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
- CVSS v2: 9.4
- EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (79th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-20
- Affected product: Plum-mobile Compass Firmware
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
The Plum Compass Android device with a build fingerprint of PLUM/c179_hwf_221/c179_hwf_221:6.0/MRA58K/W16.51.5-22:user/release-keys contains a pre-installed platform app with a package name of com.android.settings (versionCode=23, versionName=6.0-eng.root.20161223.224055) that contains an exported broadcast receiver app component which allows any app co-located on the device to programmatically perform a factory reset. In addition, the app initiating the factory reset does not require any permissions. A factory reset will remove all user data and apps from the device. This will result in the loss of any data that have not been backed up or synced externally. The capability to perform a factory reset is not directly available to third-party apps (those that the user installs themselves with the exception of enabled Mobile Device Management (MDM) apps), although this capability can be obtained by leveraging an unprotected app component of a pre-installed platform app.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2018-14989?
- The Plum Compass Android device with a build fingerprint of PLUM/c179_hwf_221/c179_hwf_221:6.0/MRA58K/W16.51.5-22:user/release-keys contains a pre-installed platform app with a package name of com.android.settings (versionCode=23, versionName=6.0-eng.root.20161223.224055) that contains an exported broadcast receiver app component which allows any app co-located on the device to programmatically perform a factory reset. In addition, the app initiating the factory reset does not require any permissions. A factory reset will remove all user data and apps from the device. This will result in the loss of any data that have not been backed up or synced externally. The capability to perform a factory reset is not directly available to third-party apps (those that the user installs themselves with the exception of enabled Mobile Device Management (MDM) apps), although this capability can be obtained by leveraging an unprotected app component of a pre-installed platform app.
- How severe is CVE-2018-14989?
- CVE-2018-14989 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.
- Is CVE-2018-14989 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (79th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2018-14989?
- CVE-2018-14989 affects Plum-mobile Compass Firmware. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2018-14989?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- When was CVE-2018-14989 published?
- CVE-2018-14989 was published on 2019-04-25 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://www.kryptowire.com
- https://www.kryptowire.com/portal/android-firmware-defcon-2018/
- https://www.kryptowire.com/portal/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/DEFCON-26-Johnson-and-Stavrou-Vulnerable-Out-of-the-Box-An-Eval-of-Android-Carrier-Devices-WP-Updated.pdf
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:o:plum-mobile:compass_firmware:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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