CVE-2015-6643 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Setup Wizard in Android 5.x before 5.1.1 LMY49F and 6.0 before 2016-01-01 allows physically proximate attackers to modify settings or bypass a reset protection mechanism via unspecified vectors, aka internal bug 25290269.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6643 represents a critical security flaw in the Android setup wizard component affecting versions 5.x before 5.1.1 and 6.0 before the 2016-01-01 security update. This weakness resides within the Android operating system's initial configuration process, specifically targeting the setup wizard that users encounter during device initialization. The vulnerability's significance stems from its accessibility to attackers who can physically approach the device, making it particularly concerning for environments where device security is paramount.
The technical nature of this flaw allows attackers to manipulate device settings or circumvent the reset protection mechanism that typically safeguards against unauthorized access to locked devices. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability could be exploited through multiple attack surfaces within the setup wizard interface, potentially including input validation errors, insufficient access controls, or improper state management during the configuration process. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE category of insufficient input validation and weak access control mechanisms, which are commonly exploited in mobile device security breaches.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to device security and user privacy. Attackers with physical proximity to a device can potentially bypass the device's security protections, including screen locks and encryption mechanisms that are typically enforced during the setup process. The ability to modify settings during the initial configuration phase could allow malicious actors to establish backdoors, disable security features, or manipulate device behavior in ways that persist even after the device is returned to its legitimate owner. This vulnerability directly impacts the Android security model's integrity, particularly concerning the device's ability to maintain secure boot and configuration states.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise to include potential data exfiltration and persistent access mechanisms. When combined with other physical access attacks, this vulnerability could enable attackers to establish long-term presence on devices, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments or for users handling sensitive information. The timing of the vulnerability's exploitation during the setup process means that security controls are at their most vulnerable, as users are typically focused on configuration rather than security awareness. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected Android versions, implementation of additional physical security controls for devices in high-risk environments, and enhanced security awareness training for users during device setup processes.
This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including privilege escalation through setup wizard manipulation and credential access via physical proximity attacks. The weakness demonstrates how seemingly benign configuration processes can become attack vectors when proper security controls are not implemented. Organizations should consider implementing device enrollment policies, enhanced physical security measures for devices in public or shared environments, and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in device configuration processes. The remediation approach should involve comprehensive testing of setup wizard components, implementation of robust access controls during configuration phases, and establishment of clear security protocols for device initialization processes that prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system settings.