CVE-2018-9142 in Mobile Device
Summary
by MITRE
On Samsung mobile devices with N(7.x) software, attackers can install an arbitrary APK in the Secure Folder SD Card area because of faulty validation of a package signature and package name, aka SVE-2017-10932.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9142 represents a critical security flaw affecting Samsung mobile devices running Android Nougat version 7.x software. This issue resides within the Secure Folder functionality, which is designed to provide an isolated environment for storing sensitive applications and data on Samsung devices. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that govern how package signatures and package names are verified during the installation process. Attackers exploiting this weakness can potentially install malicious applications within the Secure Folder's SD Card area without proper authorization, effectively bypassing the security controls that are meant to protect sensitive data and applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation, and specifically relates to the failure of proper package authentication mechanisms. The flaw occurs because Samsung's implementation does not adequately verify the authenticity of package signatures and names before allowing installation into the Secure Folder environment. This validation failure creates a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary Android packages into a protected storage area that should normally be restricted to authorized applications only. The Secure Folder's SD Card area is intended to provide an additional layer of security for sensitive applications, but this vulnerability undermines that protection entirely.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Samsung device users who rely on the Secure Folder for protecting confidential information and applications. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized installation, as attackers could potentially deploy malware that operates within the Secure Folder environment, making it more difficult to detect and remove. This creates a persistent threat vector that could compromise user data, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive applications, personal information, and corporate data stored within the secure environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the fundamental security model of the Secure Folder feature, which is specifically designed to provide enhanced protection for critical applications and data.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application installation and T1068 for local privilege escalation within restricted environments. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability when assessing Samsung device security postures and implementing protective measures. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of proper code signing verification and package validation in mobile security implementations, particularly in features that are designed to provide enhanced protection. Organizations should prioritize patching affected devices and consider implementing additional monitoring for unauthorized application installations within secure environments.
Mitigation strategies should focus on applying the official security patches provided by Samsung to address the package validation flaws. Device administrators should also implement comprehensive application whitelisting policies and monitor for suspicious installation activities within Secure Folder environments. Regular security assessments of mobile device management policies are essential to identify and address similar validation weaknesses in other security features. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough code review processes and proper implementation of cryptographic validation mechanisms in mobile operating system security features.