A serious security flaw in Google’s Quick Share has once again raised concerns over zero-click file transfers, allowing cyber attackers to exploit patched vulnerabilities. This flaw, originally identified as part of the “QuickShell” remote code execution (RCE) attack chain, enables attackers to send malicious files to unsuspecting users without requiring any interaction.
Despite previous security patches, researchers from SafeBreach discovered bypasses for two of the most critical vulnerabilities (CVE-2024-38272 and CVE-2024-38271), highlighting the ongoing risk for Windows users. Their findings, presented at Black Hat Asia 2025, emphasize the persistent threats in supposedly secured file-sharing technologies.
The Exploited Quick Share Vulnerabilities
Google’s Quick Share functions similarly to Apple’s AirDrop, allowing seamless peer-to-peer file transfers across Android, Windows, and ChromeOS devices via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, WebRTC, and NFC. Users can restrict who can send them files—limiting transfers to their contacts or linked devices. However, security researchers found ways to circumvent these protections.
By utilizing a tool called QuickSniffer, researchers mapped Quick Share’s communication protocol, exposing vulnerabilities in the process. The key weaknesses included:
- Zero-Click File Transfer Exploit (CVE-2024-38272, CVSS 7.1) – Attackers could bypass the user’s consent requirement, allowing unauthorized file transfers without the recipient’s interaction.
- Forced Wi-Fi Connection Vulnerability (CVE-2024-38271, CVSS 5.9) – This flaw enabled attackers to force a target device to connect to a malicious Wi-Fi network, enabling man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks.
Combining Exploits for Full Remote Code Execution
While neither vulnerability alone was catastrophic, when combined with additional attack techniques, they created a full-fledged remote code execution (RCE) chain. The researchers demonstrated how:
- The MitM vulnerability (CVE-2024-38271) let attackers intercept Wi-Fi traffic.
- Attackers used this brief window to crash Quick Share with a denial-of-service (DoS) vulnerability, forcing the victim to remain connected to the malicious Wi-Fi.
- The zero-click file transfer flaw (CVE-2024-38272) allowed attackers to drop a malicious executable into the victim’s Downloads folder.
- Additional file manipulation techniques enabled overwriting of legitimate files, leading to silent execution of malware upon user interaction.
What Undercode Says:
The Bigger Picture in Cybersecurity
The Quick Share vulnerability highlights a crucial cybersecurity lesson: even minor security flaws can become critical when combined. Many organizations prioritize fixing high-severity issues while overlooking seemingly insignificant bugs. However, attackers often exploit these smaller gaps to build devastating attack chains.
Why Patch Bypasses Are a Growing Concern
The fact that researchers quickly bypassed Google’s original patches suggests deeper structural issues within Quick Share’s security model. Patch bypasses are becoming increasingly common, raising concerns about the effectiveness of modern vulnerability management strategies. This incident underscores the need for:
- Comprehensive Patch Validation – Security patches should undergo rigorous penetration testing before deployment.
- Layered Security Measures – A single security control (such as requiring user acceptance) is insufficient if attackers can find workarounds.
- Continuous Threat Monitoring – Organizations should proactively monitor for potential exploit attempts instead of relying solely on vendor patches.
Zero-Click Attacks: A Growing Trend
Zero-click vulnerabilities, where no user interaction is needed for an attack, are becoming a preferred tactic for cybercriminals. These attacks are particularly dangerous because they:
– Reduce the likelihood of detection.
– Require no social engineering or user manipulation.
– Allow attackers to exploit devices passively.
Mitigation Strategies for Users
While Google has issued new patches, users should take additional precautions:
- Limit File Sharing Permissions – Set Quick Share to accept files only from trusted devices.
- Disable Unnecessary Connectivity – Turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, and NFC when not in use.
- Use Endpoint Security Solutions – Deploy security software that detects and blocks unauthorized file transfers.
- Regularly Update Software – Keep Quick Share and all system components up to date to minimize exposure to known vulnerabilities.
For Security Teams: A Call to Action
Enterprises should adopt a more proactive stance in addressing security risks, even those deemed “low priority.” Key steps include:
- Conducting comprehensive penetration testing beyond traditional vulnerability assessments.
- Implementing intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor unexpected file transfers.
- Adopting zero-trust principles, where every connection and data transfer is authenticated and verified.
Fact Checker Results:
- Confirmed Vulnerability: CVE-2024-38272 and CVE-2024-38271 were exploited despite previous patches, demonstrating a failure in Google’s initial fix.
- Proof-of-Concept Verified: SafeBreach successfully bypassed Google’s security measures and demonstrated a working attack at Black Hat Asia 2025.
- Mitigation Measures Released: Google has issued new patches, but the effectiveness of these updates remains uncertain, as attackers could find further bypasses.
References:
Reported By: https://www.darkreading.com/application-security/google-quick-share-bug-bypasses-zero-click-file-transfer
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