CVE-2018-21046 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Samsung mobile devices with O(8.x) software. There is clipboard Data Exposure via the Emergency Dialer upon connecting a USB device. The Samsung ID is SVE-2018-12911 (November 2018).
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2020
This vulnerability affects Samsung mobile devices running Android 8.x operating system versions where the clipboard data exposure occurs through the Emergency Dialer functionality when a USB device is connected to the device. The flaw represents a significant security risk as it allows unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in the device's clipboard during a specific user interaction scenario. The vulnerability was identified and documented by Samsung under their internal security tracking system with the identifier SVE-2018-12911, which was reported in November 2018, demonstrating the company's internal recognition of the severity of the issue.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of clipboard data within the Emergency Dialer component of the Android 8.x framework. When a USB device is connected to the Samsung device, the system triggers a specific interaction sequence that fails to properly sanitize or clear clipboard contents before presenting the emergency dialer interface. This creates a window of opportunity where sensitive data such as passwords, personal identification numbers, or other confidential information that was previously copied to the clipboard remains accessible through the dialer interface. The flaw specifically manifests in the device's USB peripheral handling logic where the clipboard state is not properly managed during the transition to the emergency dialer context.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to user privacy and data security as it enables attackers to potentially access sensitive information without requiring additional privileges or complex exploitation techniques. The attack vector is relatively simple and can be executed through the physical connection of a USB device, making it particularly concerning for users who may unknowingly connect infected USB devices or who are in environments where such connections occur. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure as the vulnerability could potentially facilitate credential theft, identity theft, or other malicious activities that rely on accessing clipboard contents. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and represents a specific implementation flaw in the Android framework's clipboard management system during USB device connection events.
The security implications of this vulnerability extend to the broader mobile security landscape as it demonstrates how seemingly innocuous device interaction patterns can create security gaps in mobile operating systems. The flaw essentially creates a data leakage channel that operates outside normal application boundaries and can be exploited through simple physical connection events. Organizations and individuals should consider this vulnerability when assessing mobile device security posture, particularly in environments where USB device connections are frequent or where sensitive data handling occurs. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and state management in mobile operating systems, particularly in components that handle user interface transitions and system-level interactions. Mitigation strategies should include prompt firmware updates from Samsung, user education regarding USB device connection risks, and implementation of additional security controls at the enterprise level to monitor and control USB device usage on mobile platforms. The vulnerability represents a specific case of the broader ATT&CK technique T1550.001 (Use of USB Devices) combined with credential access patterns that could be exploited by adversaries seeking to gather sensitive information from mobile devices.