CVE-2012-6337 in SamsungDive
Summary
by MITRE
The Track My Mobile feature in the SamsungDive subsystem for Android on Samsung Galaxy devices shows the activation of remote tracking, which might allow physically proximate attackers to defeat a product-recovery effort by tampering with this feature or its location data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6337 resides within the SamsungDive subsystem of Android operating systems, specifically affecting Samsung Galaxy devices that implement the Track My Mobile feature. This flaw represents a significant security concern as it directly impacts the device's ability to resist unauthorized tracking and recovery attempts. The vulnerability operates at the system level within the SamsungDive framework, which is designed to provide location-based services and device tracking capabilities. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it allows for manipulation of critical location data and tracking parameters that are typically protected from unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and validation mechanisms within the SamsungDive subsystem. The flaw enables attackers who are physically proximate to a target device to manipulate the tracking feature's activation status and associated location data. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege, where system components should not be accessible to unauthorized users without proper authentication and authorization. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and specifically relates to CWE-310, concerning cryptographic weaknesses that can be exploited to bypass security controls. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it does not require network connectivity or remote exploitation capabilities, making it accessible through physical proximity alone.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-6337 extends beyond simple privacy concerns to encompass potential device recovery failures and broader security implications for users. When an attacker can manipulate the Track My Mobile feature, they effectively nullify the device's ability to provide reliable location tracking for legitimate recovery purposes. This creates a scenario where stolen devices become nearly impossible to locate or recover, as the tracking mechanisms can be disabled or falsified by the attacker. The vulnerability also undermines the trust model of the device's security architecture, as it allows for tampering with core security features that users rely upon for protection. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1566, which addresses credential access through physical access methods, and represents a sophisticated attack pattern that combines device-level manipulation with security bypass techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and the underlying architectural issues within the SamsungDive subsystem. Device manufacturers should implement stronger access controls and authentication mechanisms for critical tracking features, ensuring that only authorized system components can modify tracking parameters. The implementation of hardware-based security measures such as secure enclaves or trusted execution environments would provide additional protection against physical tampering attempts. Users should be educated about the risks associated with physical proximity attacks and the importance of securing devices in environments where unauthorized access might occur. Additionally, regular firmware updates and security patches should be implemented to address known vulnerabilities and strengthen the overall security posture of affected devices. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive security testing of system-level components and the importance of considering physical attack vectors in security design processes.