CVE-2019-15363 in Power 5
Summary
by MITRE
The Leagoo Power 5 Android device with a build fingerprint of LEAGOO/Power_5/Power_5:8.1.0/O11019/1532686195: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-2019-15363 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Leagoo Power 5 Android device ecosystem. This security weakness stems from a pre-installed application component named com.mediatek.wfo.impl which operates with excessive permissions that allow unauthorized modification of system properties. The device in question runs Android 8.1.0 with build fingerprint LEAGOO/Power_5/Power_5:8.1.0/O11019/1532686195:user/release-keys, making it susceptible to exploitation through malicious applications that can co-reside on the same device. The vulnerability specifically manifests through an exported interface within the MediaTek WFO implementation component that lacks proper authentication mechanisms, creating an attack surface that adversaries can leverage for unauthorized system manipulation.
The technical flaw lies in the improper exposure of system property modification capabilities through an exported interface within the com.mediatek.wfo.impl application. This component, version 8.1.0 with versionCode 27, provides a pathway for any application installed on the device to modify critical system properties without requiring proper authorization checks. The vulnerability directly corresponds to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and specifically relates to the improper restriction of operations within a recognized access control mechanism. The exported interface essentially functions as a backdoor that bypasses normal Android permission models, allowing malicious applications to elevate their privileges and potentially gain root-level access to system functions. This flaw operates at the system level rather than application level, making it particularly dangerous as it affects the fundamental security architecture of the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential full system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. An attacker with malicious applications co-located on the device can exploit this flaw to modify critical system properties such as security settings, network configurations, or device behavior parameters. The implications align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and T1059, covering 'Command and Scripting Interpreter'. Once exploited, the attacker could potentially modify device integrity checks, disable security features, or establish persistent backdoors that remain undetected by standard security monitoring tools. The vulnerability's presence in a pre-installed application makes it particularly insidious as users cannot simply uninstall the component, and the flaw persists across device reboots and normal usage patterns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15363 require immediate attention through multiple defensive layers. Organizations and users should implement strict application vetting processes to prevent installation of malicious applications that could exploit this vulnerability. Device administrators should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can monitor and restrict access to system properties. The recommended approach includes disabling or removing the vulnerable com.mediatek.wfo.impl application through custom ROM modifications or device-specific patches when available. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unauthorized modifications to system properties through log analysis and behavioral monitoring. According to industry best practices, this vulnerability should be addressed through proper access control implementation and the principle of least privilege enforcement. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized applications can access system properties, and network segmentation should prevent lateral movement once an attacker gains access through this vulnerability. The remediation process must also include ensuring that all device firmware updates are applied promptly to address known vulnerabilities in the MediaTek implementation components.