CVE-2018-10498 in Email
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows local attackers to disclose sensitive information on vulnerable installations of Samsung Email Fixed in version 5.0.02.16. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the handling of file:/// URIs. The issue lies in the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can allow for reading arbitrary files. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to escalate privileges. Was ZDI-CAN-5329.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw in Samsung Email client that affects versions prior to 5.0.02.16. The issue stems from insufficient input validation when processing file:/// URIs within the application's URI handling mechanism. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URIs that bypass normal file access restrictions, allowing them to read arbitrary files from the device's file system. The vulnerability requires local system access and low-privileged code execution to be exploited effectively, making it a local privilege escalation vector when combined with other vulnerabilities. This type of flaw falls under CWE-22 which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can potentially expose sensitive data such as user credentials, personal messages, or configuration files that may contain authentication tokens or other confidential information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the Samsung Email application's URI parsing and handling code. When the application processes file:/// URIs, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the user-supplied input, allowing attackers to manipulate the URI structure to access files outside of the intended application scope. This improper validation creates a path traversal condition where attackers can navigate through the file system hierarchy using sequences such as ../ or ..\ to access protected directories and files. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file system level rather than the network level, making it more difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring tools. The attack vector typically involves embedding malicious URIs within email content or web links that, when clicked, trigger the vulnerable code path. This approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for Samsung Email users who may inadvertently interact with malicious content in emails or web pages. Local attackers who have already gained low-privileged access to a device can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the email application's data storage areas. The vulnerability can potentially expose email account credentials, personal contacts, message histories, and other sensitive data that the application stores locally. When combined with other local vulnerabilities, this issue can serve as a stepping stone for privilege escalation attacks, allowing attackers to gain higher-level system access. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter malicious content through phishing campaigns or compromised websites. The fact that this vulnerability was tracked as ZDI-CAN-5329 indicates it was recognized by the Zero Day Initiative as a significant security concern that required coordinated disclosure and patching efforts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate installation of the patched version 5.0.02.16 or later, which properly validates file URI inputs and implements appropriate access controls. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting local file system access for email applications, implementing network segmentation, and monitoring for suspicious URI patterns in email content. Organizations should consider deploying email filtering solutions that can detect and block potentially malicious URIs, particularly those containing unusual path traversal sequences. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper URI handling in mobile applications, where the attack surface is often more limited but the potential impact of information disclosure is significant. Regular security assessments of mobile email applications should include testing for similar path traversal vulnerabilities, and developers should follow secure coding practices that prevent improper input validation in URI handling components. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for proper access control mechanisms in applications that handle sensitive user data, particularly in mobile environments where local privilege escalation can have severe consequences.