CVE-2018-21047 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Samsung mobile devices with O(8.x) software. There is a Factory Reset Protection (FRP) bypass via the voice assistant because Internet access begins before the Setup Wizard finishes. The Samsung ID is SVE-2018-12894 (November 2018).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2020
This vulnerability exists within Samsung mobile devices running Android 8.x operating system versions where the Factory Reset Protection mechanism can be circumvented through manipulation of the voice assistant functionality. The flaw stems from the timing sequence during device initialization where internet connectivity is established prior to the completion of the Setup Wizard process. This premature network access creates an exploitable window that allows unauthorized users to bypass the FRP protections that are designed to prevent device misuse following a factory reset. The vulnerability specifically affects Samsung devices that implement their proprietary setup and security protocols, creating a critical security gap in the device's anti-theft protection framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of the device's boot sequence timing and network initialization processes. During the initial device setup, the system typically establishes network connectivity before completing the full setup wizard, which includes authentication and security configuration steps. When the voice assistant is activated during this transitional phase, it can leverage the available internet connection to communicate with Samsung's servers and potentially authenticate or bypass the FRP restrictions. This represents a fundamental flaw in the device's security orchestration where network access permissions are granted before proper authentication and verification procedures are completed. The vulnerability operates at the system level and requires minimal user interaction to exploit, making it particularly dangerous from a security perspective.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device theft prevention, as it fundamentally undermines the security model that Samsung has implemented to protect user data and devices. When FRP protection is bypassed, unauthorized users can effectively gain full access to a device that has been reset to factory settings, potentially accessing sensitive personal data, applications, and communication records. This vulnerability affects the core security guarantees that users expect from their mobile devices, particularly in scenarios where devices are lost or stolen. The implications are significant for enterprise environments where mobile device management policies rely on these protection mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to corporate data and systems. The vulnerability also impacts the overall trust model for Samsung's security architecture and demonstrates weaknesses in the integration of voice assistant functionality with core security protocols.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper temporal controls within the device's boot sequence and network initialization processes. The recommended approach involves ensuring that network connectivity is only established after the Setup Wizard has completed all authentication and security verification steps. This aligns with security principle of least privilege and defense in depth, where network access is granted only after proper verification. System-level patches should be implemented to modify the timing sequence of network initialization relative to setup completion, preventing premature access to authentication services. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as enhanced device encryption and remote management capabilities that can be activated regardless of FRP status. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure boot processes and proper temporal sequencing in mobile security architectures, as referenced in CWE-665 (Improper Initialization) and ATT&CK technique T1490 (Inhibit System Recovery), where unauthorized access to system recovery mechanisms can be exploited to bypass security controls.