CVE-2019-15365 in Z92
Summary
by MITRE
The Lava Z92 Android device with a build fingerprint of LAVA/Z92/Z92:8.1.0/O11019/1535088037: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.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15365 resides within the Lava Z92 Android device running Android 8.1.0, where a pre-installed application named com.mediatek.wfo.impl exhibits a critical security flaw in its implementation. This application serves as a system component for managing wireless features and is specifically designed to handle VoLTE and other mobile communication protocols. The vulnerability manifests through an exported interface that lacks proper access controls, allowing any application co-located on the device to manipulate system properties without appropriate authorization. This design flaw represents a significant deviation from secure coding practices and violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and access control.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper exposure of system-level interfaces within the Android framework. The com.mediatek.wfo.impl application's exported interface enables unauthorized modification of system properties, which can potentially compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the device's operational parameters. This flaw directly relates to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and specifically targets the Android system's property management framework. The vulnerability allows malicious applications to alter critical system behaviors that should only be accessible to system-level components or authorized applications, effectively creating a backdoor for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized property modification, as it creates a persistent security risk for the device's overall integrity. Any application with access to the device can exploit this interface to modify system configurations that govern communication protocols, network behavior, and potentially other sensitive operational parameters. This vulnerability can be leveraged by attackers to manipulate network connectivity, disable security features, or create persistent backdoors that remain active across device reboots. The implications align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and T1547, covering 'Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder', as the compromised system properties could be used to maintain persistence or elevate privileges within the Android environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through firmware updates from Lava or MediaTek, as the flaw exists in the pre-installed application's design rather than in user applications. Device administrators should implement application control policies to restrict access to potentially malicious applications that could exploit this interface. The security community should also consider implementing runtime monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications to system properties. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in system-level applications, particularly those handling communication protocols, as outlined in Android security guidelines and the OWASP Mobile Security Project recommendations. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of all pre-installed applications to identify similar exposure vulnerabilities that could compromise device security and user privacy.