Full Report
Cybersecurity researchers have disclosed details of a new vulnerability impacting Google's Quick Share data transfer utility for Windows that could be exploited to achieve a denial-of-service (DoS) or send arbitrary files to a target's device without their approval. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2024-10668 (CVSS score: 5.9), is a bypass for two of the 10 shortcomings that were originally disclosed by
Analysis Summary
# Vulnerability: Google Quick Share Bypass Allowing Unauthorized File Transfers and Denial of Service
## CVE Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2024-10668
- CVSS Score: 5.9 (Medium Risk, based on associated vulnerabilities context)
- CWE: Not explicitly stated for this CVE, but related to improper input validation/authorization bypass.
## Affected Systems
- Products: Google Quick Share utility for Windows
- Versions: Previous versions prior to 1.0.2002.2
- Configurations: Applicable to systems running the Quick Share utility on Windows.
## Vulnerability Description
This vulnerability is a follow-up flaw resulting from incomplete patching of 10 vulnerabilities previously disclosed (tracked under CVE-2024-38271 and CVE-2024-38272). CVE-2024-10668 specifically addresses two issues that allowed attackers, under certain conditions, to:
1. **Denial of Service (DoS):** Trigger an application crash by sending a file name that starts with an invalid UTF8 continuation byte (e.g., `\xc5\xff`).
2. **Unauthorized File Transfer Bypass:** Circumvent the recipient acceptance mechanism for file transfers. An initial fix deleted transferred files marked as "unknown" after the session. This bypass occurs by sending two different files in the same session with the same "payload ID," causing the application to delete only one, leaving the other (unauthorized) file intact in the Downloads folder.
## Exploitation
- Status: Implied that Proof-of-Concept (PoC) techniques exist based on the description of the bypass mechanisms. The flaws were derived from previously disclosed issues.
- Complexity: Likely Low to Medium, given the specific crafted input required (invalid UTF8 byte sequences or sequential file transfers with identical IDs).
- Attack Vector: Network (Local/Adjacent communication required for Quick Share, but the exploit payload is sent over the network channel used by the utility).
## Impact
- Confidentiality: Low/Medium (Unauthorized file **reception** potentially impacts local files if subsequent exploitation occurs, but the direct impact is file delivery.)
- Integrity: High (Unauthorized arbitrary files can be written to the Downloads folder without user consent).
- Availability: Medium (DoS possible by crashing the Quick Share application).
## Remediation
### Patches
- Quick Share for Windows version **1.0.2002.2** or later should contain the necessary fixes.
### Workarounds
- **Disable Quick Share:** Uninstall or temporarily disable the Quick Share utility on Windows machines until the update can be applied.
## Detection
- **Indicators of Compromise (IoCs):** Look for unexpected file creations within user Downloads folders, particularly during periods when Quick Share services are active, especially if the filename might seem unusual (though the bypass leaves the file intact).
- **Detection Methods and Tools:** Monitor network traffic patterns associated with Quick Share processes for unexpected file transfer initiation payloads or repeated connection attempts indicative of a DoS attack. General endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems should flag suspicious process behavior related to the Quick Share application handling crafted input strings.
## References
- Previous related advisories: CVE-2024-38271 and CVE-2024-38272.
- Vendor Advisory: Google (Implied, patch released via application update).
- Relevant links - defanged:
- hxxps://thehackernews.com/2025/04/google-patches-quick-share.html
- hxxps://thehackernews.com/2024/08/researchers-uncover-10-flaws-in-googles.html