CVE-2019-15358 in Z250
Summary
by MITRE
The Dexp Z250 Android device with a build fingerprint of DEXP/Z250/Z250:8.1.0/O11019/1531130719:user/release-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-2019-15358 resides within the Dexp Z250 Android device ecosystem, specifically targeting a pre-installed application component that operates with elevated privileges. This security flaw manifests through the com.mediatek.wfo.impl application package which serves as a system-level interface for managing wireless features. The device in question operates on Android 8.1.0 with build fingerprint DEXP/Z250/Z250:8.1.0/O11019/1531130719:user/release-keys, indicating a specific hardware and software configuration that exposes this particular vulnerability. The compromised component represents a critical weakness in the device's security architecture as it allows unauthorized modification of system properties through an exported interface.
The technical flaw stems from improper access control mechanisms within the pre-installed application, specifically the com.mediatek.wfo.impl package. This application exposes an interface that should be restricted to system-level processes but instead permits any co-located application to manipulate system properties without proper authentication or authorization checks. The vulnerability constitutes a direct violation of Android's security model where system-level modifications should be protected from arbitrary application access. The exported interface acts as an attack vector that allows malicious or compromised applications to gain unauthorized control over critical system parameters, potentially leading to privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating a significant security risk for users of the Dexp Z250 device. Any application installed on the device can exploit this flaw to modify system properties, potentially altering network configurations, disabling security features, or manipulating communication protocols. This capability enables adversaries to perform actions such as modifying network settings, bypassing security controls, or creating backdoors within the device's communication framework. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level, allowing attackers to compromise the device's core functionality and potentially establish persistent access. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a critical weakness in the device's defense-in-depth strategy.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is extensive given that any application installed on the device can potentially exploit the exported interface. This creates multiple attack vectors including malicious applications downloaded from third-party sources, compromised applications, or even legitimate applications that may be exploited through supply chain attacks. The vulnerability enables potential attackers to manipulate system properties that control wireless communication features, potentially leading to man-in-the-middle attacks, unauthorized network access, or disruption of communication services. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) and T1546 (Event Triggered Execution), as it allows for unauthorized modification of system properties that can be leveraged for further exploitation. The impact on device security is compounded by the fact that the vulnerability affects a pre-installed system component, making it particularly difficult to remediate without firmware updates or device replacement.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from device manufacturers and end users. The primary recommendation involves implementing proper access control mechanisms that restrict modification of system properties to authorized system processes only. Device manufacturers should ensure that exported interfaces within pre-installed applications are properly secured with appropriate authentication and authorization checks. Users should avoid installing untrusted applications and maintain regular firmware updates when available. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security testing for pre-installed applications and the need for comprehensive security reviews of system-level components. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection mechanisms can help identify unauthorized modifications to system properties. Security researchers and organizations should also consider this vulnerability when conducting device security assessments and penetration testing to ensure that similar flaws are not present in other pre-installed applications or system components.