CVE-2015-7889 in S6 Edge
Summary
by MITRE
The SecEmailComposer/EmailComposer application in the Samsung S6 Edge before the October 2015 MR uses weak permissions for the com.samsung.android.email.intent.action.QUICK_REPLY_BACKGROUND service action, which might allow remote attackers with knowledge of the local email address to obtain sensitive information via a crafted application that sends a crafted intent.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2015-7889 represents a critical permission flaw in the Samsung S6 Edge's email composition framework, specifically within the SecEmailComposer/EmailComposer application. This issue stems from the improper implementation of access controls for the com.samsung.android.email.intent.action.QUICK_REPLY_BACKGROUND service action, which operates as a background service for email quick replies. The flaw exists in the pre-October 2015 security updates of the Samsung S6 Edge, making devices vulnerable to exploitation during a specific window of time when the security patch was not yet applied. The vulnerability manifests through the weak permission model that fails to properly validate incoming intents, creating a pathway for unauthorized applications to access sensitive email functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper use of Android's intent system where the QUICK_REPLY_BACKGROUND service action lacks adequate permission checks. According to CWE-284, this represents an improper access control vulnerability where the service should enforce proper authentication and authorization mechanisms before allowing execution of sensitive operations. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious applications that send specifically formatted intents to the vulnerable service, bypassing normal security boundaries. The service action accepts intents without verifying the calling application's identity or permissions, allowing malicious actors to potentially intercept or manipulate email data. This weakness directly relates to the Android security model's requirement for proper intent filtering and permission enforcement as outlined in the Android Security Best Practices documentation.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7889 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform unauthorized email operations. An attacker with knowledge of a target's local email address can craft malicious applications that exploit this vulnerability to access email composition services, potentially leading to data exfiltration, unauthorized email sending, or manipulation of email content. The vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on the Samsung S6 Edge's email quick reply functionality, as it allows attackers to gain access to sensitive communication channels without requiring elevated privileges. This creates a significant risk for enterprise users and individuals who may have their email credentials and communication data compromised. The attack vector demonstrates the importance of proper service intent filtering and the potential consequences of insufficient permission validation in mobile email applications, as documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of privilege escalation through service manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application of the October 2015 security update from Samsung, which addresses the weak permissions issue by implementing proper intent validation and access controls for the email service components. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any applications that may have been compromised or installed on affected devices before the patch was applied. System administrators should implement mobile device management policies that enforce security updates and monitor for unauthorized applications that may attempt to exploit similar permission weaknesses. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of proper Android service security implementation including the use of explicit intent filters, proper permission declaration, and runtime verification of calling applications. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect suspicious intent traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, as outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework for mobile security incident response.