CVE-2019-15357 in i6A
Summary
by MITRE
The Advan i6A Android device with a build fingerprint of ADVAN/i6A/i6A:8.1.0/O11019/1523602705:userdebug/test-keys contains a pre-installed app with a package name of com.mediatek.wfo.impl app (versionCode=27, versionName=8.1.0) that allows any app co-located on the device to modify a system property through an exported interface without proper authorization.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15357 resides within the Advan i6A Android device running Android 8.1.0, where a pre-installed application named com.mediatek.wfo.impl exhibits insecure system property modification capabilities. This pre-installed application serves as a component within the device's telephony infrastructure, specifically handling wireless features and connectivity management. The vulnerability stems from an exported interface within this application that permits any co-located application to modify critical system properties without proper authentication or authorization mechanisms. The build fingerprint ADVAN/i6A/i6A:8.1.0/O11019/1523602705 indicates this is a specific hardware and software configuration that contains this security flaw, while the package version code 27 and version name 8.1.0 provide precise identification of the vulnerable component.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper exposure of system property modification interfaces within the MediaTek wireless feature implementation component. This exported interface represents a classic example of insecure direct object reference vulnerability, where system-level operations should be restricted to privileged processes but are instead accessible to any application with appropriate permissions. The vulnerability falls under CWE-284 which specifically addresses inadequate access control mechanisms, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1546.001 which covers modifications to the Windows registry or system properties. The flaw allows for arbitrary modification of system properties that could potentially alter device behavior, connectivity settings, or security configurations that are normally protected from unauthorized modification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it creates a persistent backdoor for malicious applications to manipulate core system behaviors. Any application installed on the device can potentially modify critical system properties, which could lead to unauthorized changes in network connectivity, device configuration, or security settings. This vulnerability enables attackers to potentially disable security features, modify network parameters, or alter device functionality in ways that could compromise user privacy and device integrity. The risk is particularly significant because the vulnerability exists within a pre-installed application that cannot be easily removed or replaced by end users, making it a persistent threat that remains active until the device is updated or replaced.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through firmware updates from the device manufacturer, as the vulnerability exists within proprietary components that require official patches. Network administrators and security professionals should implement device monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications to system properties and establish baseline configurations to identify deviations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper interface design and access control enforcement in mobile operating systems, particularly for pre-installed applications that have elevated privileges. Organizations should consider implementing application blacklisting policies that prevent unknown or untrusted applications from running on devices, and should regularly audit device configurations to ensure system properties remain unchanged from their intended values. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the need for secure development practices and proper security testing of pre-installed applications before device deployment.