CVE-2019-15417 in Spark Pro
Summary
by MITRE
The Tecno Spark Pro Android device with a build fingerprint of TECNO/H3722/TECNO-K8:7.0/NRD90M/K8-H3722ABCDE-N-171229V96:user/release-keys contains a pre-installed app with a package name of com.lovelyfont.defcontainer app (versionCode=7, versionName=7.0.5) that allows unauthorized dynamic code loading via a confused deputy attack. This capability can be accessed by any app co-located on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15417 represents a critical security flaw in the Tecno Spark Pro Android device that stems from improper permission handling within a pre-installed application. This weakness resides in the com.lovelyfont.defcontainer application which operates with elevated privileges and permits unauthorized dynamic code loading through a confused deputy attack vector. The device build fingerprint TECNO/H3722/TECNO-K8:7.0/NRD90M/K8-H3722ABCDE-N-171229V96:user/release-keys indicates this vulnerability affects a specific Android 7.0 implementation that was released in late 2017, making it particularly concerning given the age of the affected software ecosystem.
The technical flaw manifests through a confused deputy attack where the vulnerable application incorrectly handles inter-process communication and permission delegation. This allows any application co-located on the device to exploit the dynamic code loading capability without proper authorization. The vulnerability operates at the system level where the defcontainer application should enforce strict access controls but instead permits arbitrary code execution through manipulated package names and dynamic loading mechanisms. This type of flaw directly maps to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and specifically relates to improper privilege management in Android applications. The attack surface is particularly broad as any app installed on the device can potentially leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise. Attackers can utilize this flaw to install malicious applications, modify system components, or extract sensitive user data without requiring root access or explicit user consent. The pre-installed nature of the vulnerable application makes it particularly dangerous as users cannot easily remove or disable it, and the dynamic loading capability provides persistent attack vectors that can be exploited across multiple sessions. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, enabling attackers to establish persistent access and maintain control over the affected device. The risk is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability affects a device model that was widely distributed, potentially exposing millions of users to similar threats.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from both device manufacturers and end users. Device manufacturers should implement proper permission controls and remove or patch the vulnerable application through firmware updates. Users should avoid installing untrusted applications on affected devices and consider performing factory resets if possible. The Android security model should enforce stricter inter-process communication controls and prevent applications from dynamically loading code without proper verification. Security researchers recommend implementing proper access control lists and using Android's permission model more rigorously to prevent confused deputy scenarios. Additionally, regular security audits of pre-installed applications should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in the wild. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can detect and block potentially malicious code execution patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of securing pre-installed applications as they often operate with elevated privileges and can provide attackers with persistent access to device resources.