CVE-2015-7893 in Galaxy S6
Summary
by MITRE
SecEmailUI in Samsung Galaxy S6 does not sanitize HTML email content, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7893 represents a critical security flaw in the Samsung Galaxy S6 smartphone's email client application known as SecEmailUI. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of HTML content within email messages, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code on affected devices. The flaw specifically affects the email user interface component that processes and displays HTML formatted emails, where the application fails to properly filter or escape potentially dangerous script tags and executable content. This issue manifests when users receive specially crafted HTML emails containing malicious JavaScript payloads that are automatically executed upon display within the email client interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability falls under the category of cross-site scripting attacks and aligns with CWE-79 which addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. Attackers can craft malicious email messages containing embedded javascript code within HTML tags, which when rendered by the vulnerable SecEmailUI component executes in the context of the email client's security boundaries. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no user interaction beyond simply opening the malicious email message, making it a prime candidate for phishing campaigns and social engineering attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution to potentially allow attackers to access sensitive user data, perform unauthorized actions, or establish persistent access to the device through the email client's privileged execution environment.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Samsung Galaxy S6 users who may receive malicious emails through various channels including corporate email systems, public email services, or compromised email accounts. The remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere in the world without requiring physical access to the target device. The exploitation process typically involves sending HTML formatted emails containing malicious javascript code that leverages the lack of proper HTML sanitization in the SecEmailUI component. This vulnerability can enable attackers to perform actions such as reading email content, accessing device contacts, intercepting communications, or even installing additional malware on the device. The persistence of the threat increases with the potential for attackers to maintain access through the compromised email client interface, making it particularly concerning for enterprise users who may be targeted through spear-phishing campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7893 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. Samsung addressed this vulnerability through software updates and patches that implemented proper HTML content sanitization within the SecEmailUI component. Users should ensure their devices receive the latest security updates from Samsung, particularly the security patches released in the 2015 Q4 timeframe. Organizations should implement email filtering solutions that can detect and block HTML content containing suspicious javascript patterns, while also educating users about the risks of opening emails from unknown sources. Network administrators should consider deploying email security appliances that can scan incoming emails for malicious content before delivery to mobile devices. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Additionally, users should avoid opening emails from untrusted sources and should disable HTML email rendering when possible, though this may impact functionality for legitimate emails requiring formatted content. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and maintain awareness of similar vulnerabilities in mobile email clients across different platforms.