CVE-2019-15339 in Z60s
Summary
by MITRE
The Lava Z60s Android device with a build fingerprint of LAVA/Z60s/Z60s:8.1.0/O11019/1530331229:user/release-keys contains a pre-installed app with a package name of com.android.lava.powersave app (versionCode=400, versionName=v4.0.27) that allows any app co-located on the device to programmatically disable and enable Wi-Fi without the corresponding access permission through an exported interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15339 represents a critical security flaw in the Lava Z60s Android device that stems from improper permission handling within a pre-installed system application. This vulnerability exists within the com.android.lava.powersave application which is part of the device's factory image and operates with version code 400 and version name v4.0.27. The core issue lies in the application's exported interface that exposes functionality for programmatically controlling Wi-Fi state without requiring proper authorization, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors who might exploit this weakness to manipulate network connectivity.
The technical flaw manifests through the exposure of an exported component within the powersave application that allows any application co-located on the device to disable or enable Wi-Fi connectivity without possessing the necessary android.permission.CHANGE_WIFI_STATE permission. This represents a violation of Android's security model where system-level network operations should require explicit permission grants from users. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 Access Control, specifically targeting improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized applications to perform privileged operations. This weakness enables a form of privilege escalation where malicious applications can gain unauthorized control over network connectivity, potentially leading to man-in-the-middle attacks, network disruption, or data exfiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network manipulation as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by both malicious applications and attackers who gain access to the device. Any application with access to the device can leverage this exported interface to disrupt network connectivity, potentially causing service interruptions, disabling security features that depend on Wi-Fi, or creating opportunities for attackers to establish persistent network-based attack vectors. This vulnerability particularly affects the device's security posture by undermining the fundamental principle of least privilege and allowing applications to perform operations that should be restricted to system-level components or applications with explicit user consent.
Security researchers have identified this issue as a significant concern for devices running Android 8.1.0 with the specific build fingerprint mentioned, as it represents a pre-installed application that cannot be easily removed or updated by end users. The vulnerability enables potential attackers to exploit the device's network configuration without requiring additional permissions, creating a backdoor for network-based attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068, which describes the technique of exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges to gain access to systems, and T1566, which covers the technique of phishing attacks through malicious applications that can manipulate device functions. The threat landscape is further complicated by the fact that this vulnerability affects devices that may be deployed in enterprise environments where network control is critical for maintaining security protocols and preventing unauthorized access to corporate networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate device-level protections and long-term remediation approaches. Device manufacturers should implement proper permission controls and ensure that exported components within system applications do not expose privileged functionality without appropriate authorization checks. Users should be advised to avoid installing untrusted applications that might exploit this vulnerability and to maintain updated device firmware when available. The security community should also consider this vulnerability as part of broader Android security assessments, particularly focusing on pre-installed applications and their exported interfaces. Additionally, network administrators should monitor for unusual network connectivity patterns that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability and implement network-based detection mechanisms to identify potential unauthorized Wi-Fi state changes. The vulnerability underscores the importance of comprehensive security testing for pre-installed applications and highlights the need for stricter controls over exported interfaces within Android system components.