CVE-2015-4033 in SBeam
Summary
by MITRE
Samsung SBeam allows remote attackers to read arbitrary images by leveraging an NFC connection to access the HTTP server on port 15000.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2015-4033 represents a critical security flaw in Samsung SBeam functionality that exposes devices to unauthorized remote access through NFC connections. This vulnerability specifically affects Samsung mobile devices running Android operating systems and enables attackers to exploit an HTTP server running on port 15000 to access arbitrary image files stored on the device. The flaw stems from insufficient access controls and authentication mechanisms within the SBeam implementation, which allows remote attackers to establish NFC connections and subsequently interact with the exposed HTTP server without proper authorization. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages NFC technology, which is typically considered a secure short-range communication method, to bypass traditional network security boundaries and gain access to sensitive user data. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference vulnerability where the HTTP server exposes file system resources directly without proper access validation, making it susceptible to arbitrary file access attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-284, which addresses inadequate access control mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to establish a proximity-based NFC connection to a target device and then leverage the exposed HTTP server on port 15000 to enumerate and retrieve arbitrary image files stored on the device. The HTTP server operates without proper authentication or authorization checks, allowing any attacker with NFC proximity to access the device's image repository. This attack vector demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the SBeam implementation where the security model assumes that NFC connections are inherently secure and do not require additional access controls. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK framework as T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access, as it allows for unauthorized data access through network-based techniques. The exposure of images through this vulnerability could potentially lead to privacy breaches, as these files may contain sensitive personal information, location data, or other confidential content that users expect to remain protected.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4033 extends beyond simple data theft, as it represents a significant weakening of the device's overall security posture. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to conduct reconnaissance activities, gather intelligence about users, or exploit the retrieved image data for social engineering purposes. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Samsung devices, particularly those running older versions of Android that were more susceptible to such implementation flaws. Organizations and individuals using affected devices face increased risk of privacy violations, identity theft, and potential compromise of sensitive information stored in image files. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require sophisticated techniques or specialized tools, making it accessible to a broad range of threat actors, from casual attackers to organized criminal groups. This accessibility factor significantly amplifies the potential impact, as the vulnerability can be exploited at scale without requiring extensive technical expertise. The security implications extend to enterprise environments where employees may use affected Samsung devices for work-related activities, potentially exposing corporate data through these insecure file access mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and the need for comprehensive security testing of mobile applications, particularly those that leverage proximity-based technologies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4033 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. Users should disable SBeam functionality when not actively needed, as this significantly reduces the attack surface. Network administrators should implement firewall rules to block access to port 15000 from untrusted networks and ensure that NFC functionality is properly configured with appropriate access controls. Samsung released security patches for affected devices, and users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest firmware versions that address this vulnerability. The implementation of proper authentication mechanisms for the HTTP server, including user authentication and access control lists, would prevent unauthorized access to file system resources. Organizations should conduct security assessments of their mobile device management policies to ensure that SBeam and similar features are properly configured to minimize security risks. Additionally, security awareness training should emphasize the risks associated with NFC-based technologies and the importance of proper device configuration to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the need for comprehensive security testing of mobile applications that leverage network services and proximity-based communication technologies.