CVE-2019-15411 in ZenFone 3 Laser
Summary
by MITRE
The Asus ZenFone 3 Laser Android device with a build fingerprint of asus/WW_msm8937/msm8937:7.1.1/NMF26F/WW_32.40.106.114_20180928:user/release-keys contains a pre-installed app with a package name of com.asus.loguploaderproxy app (versionCode=1570000020, versionName=7.0.0.4_170901) that allows other pre-installed apps to perform command execution via an accessible app component. This capability can be accessed by any pre-installed app on the device which can obtain signatureOrSystem permissions that are required by other other pre-installed apps that exported their capabilities to other pre-installed app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15411 represents a critical security flaw in the Asus ZenFone 3 Laser Android device running Android 7.1.1. This issue stems from a pre-installed application named com.asus.loguploaderproxy which operates with version code 1570000020 and version name 7.0.0.4_170901. The root cause lies in the improper exposure of application components that enable command execution capabilities. The vulnerability manifests through the presence of exported app components that can be accessed by other pre-installed applications on the device, creating an attack vector that bypasses normal Android security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of Android's component exposure mechanism where the com.asus.loguploaderproxy application fails to properly restrict access to its exported components. When other pre-installed applications on the device obtain signatureOrSystem permissions, they can leverage this exposure to execute arbitrary commands on the device. This represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that operates at the system level, allowing malicious applications to gain elevated privileges beyond their intended scope. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-785, which addresses the improper restriction of operations within a constrained execution environment, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068 for 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold on the device that can be leveraged for further exploitation. Any pre-installed application that can obtain signatureOrSystem permissions can potentially exploit this vulnerability, creating a significant attack surface that affects the entire device's security posture. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the system's pre-installed applications, making it difficult to detect and remediate through normal user controls. Attackers could potentially use this capability to install malicious applications, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors on the device. The attack vector requires minimal privileges to exploit, as the target applications already possess the necessary signatureOrSystem permissions, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple pre-installed applications are present.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15411 should focus on restricting component exposure and implementing proper permission controls. Device manufacturers should ensure that pre-installed applications do not export unnecessary components to other applications, particularly those with elevated privileges. The recommended approach includes disabling the export of components in the AndroidManifest.xml file for applications like com.asus.loguploaderproxy that do not require external access. Additionally, system-level monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access patterns to exported components. Security patches should be deployed to remove or restrict access to the vulnerable components, and organizations should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can monitor and control application behavior. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper Android security practices and adherence to the principle of least privilege, where applications should only expose functionality necessary for their core operations. Network-based detection measures should also be implemented to monitor for suspicious command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.