CVE-2019-15340 in Redmi 6 Pro
Summary
by MITRE
The Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro Android device with a build fingerprint of xiaomi/sakura_india/sakura_india:8.1.0/OPM1.171019.019/V9.6.4.0.ODMMIFD:user/release-keys contains a pre-installed app with a package name of com.huaqin.factory app (versionCode=1, versionName=QL1715_201805292006) that allows any app co-located on the device to programmatically disable and enable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS without the corresponding access permission through an exported interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2024
This vulnerability exists in the Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro Android device running Android 8.1.0 with build fingerprint xiaomi/sakura_india/sakura_india:8.1.0/OPM1.171019.019/V9.6.4.0.ODMMIFD. The issue stems from a pre-installed factory application named com.huaqin.factory which exposes a privileged interface that allows arbitrary applications to programmatically control wireless communication services including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. This represents a critical security flaw that directly violates Android's permission model and security architecture.
The technical flaw manifests through an exported interface within the factory application that lacks proper access controls or permission checks. Any application co-located on the device can invoke this interface to disable or enable wireless services without possessing the necessary permissions such as ACCESS_WIFI_STATE, CHANGE_WIFI_STATE, BLUETOOTH_ADMIN, or LOCATION_HARDWARE. This vulnerability falls under CWE-284, which describes inadequate access control mechanisms, and specifically relates to improper privilege management in Android applications. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor mechanism that bypasses the standard Android security model where such operations should require explicit user consent or appropriate permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. An attacker with malicious applications could potentially disrupt network connectivity by disabling Wi-Fi or GPS services, thereby preventing the device from functioning properly. More concerning is the potential for surveillance and tracking activities where Bluetooth or GPS services could be disabled without user knowledge. This capability could be exploited to create persistent denial-of-service conditions or to interfere with location-based services that depend on these wireless technologies. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195 which covers 'Supply Chain Compromise' and T1059 which covers 'Command and Scripting Interpreter' as it enables unauthorized programmatic control of device functions.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through software updates from Xiaomi that properly secure the exported interface within the factory application. System administrators should implement application blacklisting policies to prevent unauthorized applications from accessing the vulnerable interface. Device users should be advised to only install applications from trusted sources and to regularly update their device firmware. Network security teams should monitor for suspicious network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the importance of proper Android application security practices including the principle of least privilege, proper interface exposure controls, and comprehensive permission validation mechanisms. The incident underscores the need for regular security auditing of pre-installed applications and the implementation of robust application sandboxing to prevent privilege escalation attacks.