Description
LocalSend is an open-source app to securely share files and messages with nearby devices over local networks without needing an internet connection. In versions 1.16.1 and below, a critical Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) vulnerability in the software's discovery protocol allows an unauthenticated attacker on the same local network to impersonate legitimate devices, silently intercepting, reading, and modifying any file transfer. This can be used to steal sensitive data or inject malware, like ransomware, into files shared between trusted users. The attack is hardly detectable and easy to implement, posing a severe and immediate security risk. This issue was fixed in version 1.17.0.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-23410
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability described in EUVD-2025-23410 pertains to a critical Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack in the LocalSend application, specifically affecting versions 1.16.1 and below. The vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker on the same local network to impersonate legitimate devices, intercept, read, and modify file transfers. This can result in the theft of sensitive data or the injection of malware, such as ransomware, into shared files.
Severity Evaluation:
- Base Score: 9.3 (CVSS 4.0)
- Base Score Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:A/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:N/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H
The high base score indicates a severe vulnerability due to the ease of exploitation and the significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is adjacent (AV:A), meaning the attacker must be on the same local network. The attack complexity is low (AC:L), and no privileges are required (PR:N). User interaction is required (UI:P), but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (VC:H, VI:H, VA:N, SC:H, SI:H, SA:H).
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Local Network Access: The attacker must be on the same local network as the targeted devices.
- Device Impersonation: The attacker can impersonate legitimate devices to intercept and modify file transfers.
Exploitation Methods:
- MitM Attack: The attacker can exploit the vulnerability in the discovery protocol to insert themselves into the communication path between devices.
- Data Interception and Modification: The attacker can read and modify files being transferred, potentially injecting malware or stealing sensitive information.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Software:
- LocalSend versions 1.16.1 and below.
Affected Systems:
- Any system running the affected versions of LocalSend, including but not limited to:
- Personal computers
- Mobile devices
- IoT devices
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Mitigation:
- Update Software: Upgrade to LocalSend version 1.17.0 or later, which includes the fix for this vulnerability.
- Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to limit the attack surface.
- Monitor Network Traffic: Use network monitoring tools to detect unusual activity that may indicate a MitM attack.
Long-Term Mitigation:
- Regular Patching: Ensure that all software, including LocalSend, is regularly updated to the latest versions.
- User Education: Educate users about the risks of using unpatched software and the importance of updating to the latest versions.
- Enhanced Security Protocols: Implement additional security measures such as encryption and authentication protocols to protect data transfers.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to European cybersecurity, particularly in environments where sensitive data is shared over local networks. Organizations and individuals relying on LocalSend for secure file transfers are at risk of data breaches and malware infections. The ease of exploitation and the severe impact on data integrity and confidentiality make this vulnerability a critical concern for cybersecurity professionals.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- Discovery Protocol Flaw: The vulnerability resides in the discovery protocol used by LocalSend to identify and connect with nearby devices. This protocol lacks adequate authentication mechanisms, allowing an attacker to impersonate legitimate devices.
- Exploitation Steps:
- The attacker gains access to the same local network as the targeted devices.
- The attacker exploits the flaw in the discovery protocol to impersonate a legitimate device.
- The attacker intercepts file transfers, reads the data, and modifies it as needed.
- The attacker can inject malware into the files being transferred.
Detection and Response:
- Network Monitoring: Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) and network monitoring tools to detect unusual traffic patterns that may indicate a MitM attack.
- Log Analysis: Analyze logs for any unauthorized access attempts or unusual file transfer activities.
- Incident Response: Have an incident response plan in place to quickly address any detected attacks and mitigate the impact.
References:
Aliases:
- CVE-2025-54792
Assigner:
- GitHub_M
ENISA ID Product:
- Product ID: 05ac809d-cf1c-3ecc-892e-7f438e70114e
- Product: LocalSend
- Affected Versions: ≤ 1.17.0
ENISA ID Vendor:
- Vendor ID: e2c84595-3873-3c48-be35-414e0dabe963
- Vendor: LocalSend
This comprehensive analysis provides a clear understanding of the vulnerability, its impact, and the necessary steps to mitigate the risk. Cybersecurity professionals should prioritize updating affected systems and implementing robust security measures to protect against similar threats.