CVE-2018-21068 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Samsung mobile devices with O(8.0) software. Execution of an application in a locked Secure Folder can occur without a password via a split screen. The Samsung ID is SVE-2018-11669 (July 2018).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2020
This vulnerability exists in Samsung mobile devices running Android 8.0 operating system and represents a critical security flaw in the Secure Folder implementation. The Secure Folder is designed to provide an isolated environment for sensitive applications and data, requiring authentication before access. However, this vulnerability allows unauthorized execution of applications within the Secure Folder when the device is locked, bypassing the required password protection mechanism. The issue specifically manifests through the split screen functionality, which enables a malicious user to exploit a gap in the authentication flow. The vulnerability was identified and documented by Samsung under their internal security tracking system with the identifier SVE-2018-11669, indicating it was discovered in July 2018 and subsequently addressed in security updates.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of authentication context when split screen mode is activated within the Secure Folder environment. When a user engages split screen functionality while the device is locked, the system fails to properly enforce the authentication requirements that should normally be mandatory before granting access to Secure Folder applications. This flaw falls under the category of inadequate access control mechanisms, specifically related to authentication bypass vulnerabilities that allow unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability can be classified as a weakness in the secure container implementation where the system does not maintain proper security boundaries when multiple applications are displayed simultaneously in split screen mode. This represents a violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in maintaining the integrity of the secure execution environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it undermines the fundamental security model of the Secure Folder feature, which is designed to protect sensitive applications and data from unauthorized access. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain access to applications and data that should only be available to authorized users who have successfully authenticated. The vulnerability affects all Samsung devices running Android 8.0 that implement the Secure Folder feature, potentially exposing sensitive information, personal data, and business-critical applications to unauthorized access. This creates a serious risk for enterprise users who rely on the Secure Folder for protecting confidential information and for individuals who store sensitive personal data within the secure environment. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor that allows execution of applications in a secure context without proper authentication, which could lead to data breaches, privacy violations, and potential financial losses.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, particularly under the techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access. The vulnerability aligns with the credential access tactic as it enables unauthorized access to protected applications through bypassing authentication mechanisms. Additionally, this represents a persistence mechanism that could allow attackers to maintain access to secure applications over time. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches provided by Samsung, disabling split screen functionality when using Secure Folder, and conducting security awareness training for users about the risks of using split screen features with secure applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper secure container design and the need for comprehensive testing of edge cases in multi-window environments. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability would likely violate security standards such as those outlined in iso/iec 27001 and nist cybersecurity framework, particularly regarding access control and data protection requirements.