CVE-2019-15419 in X015_1
Summary
by MITRE
The Asus ASUS_X015_1 Android device with a build fingerprint of asus/CN_X015/ASUS_X015_1:7.0/NRD90M/CN_X015-14.00.1709.35-20171215:user/release-keys contains a pre-installed app with a package name of com.lovelyfont.defcontainer app (versionCode=5, versionName=5.0.1) that allows unauthorized command execution 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 described in CVE-2019-15419 represents a critical security flaw in the Android operating system ecosystem affecting specific Asus devices with the model identifier ASUS_X015_1. This issue stems from a pre-installed application named com.lovelyfont.defcontainer which operates with elevated privileges and contains a confused deputy vulnerability that enables arbitrary command execution. The build fingerprint indicates this affects Android 7.0 NRD90M with a specific firmware version from December 2017, making it particularly concerning as it affects legacy Android versions that may not receive regular security updates. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 Access Control, specifically addressing improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to execute commands through malicious applications. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter where adversaries can leverage existing legitimate software to execute malicious commands.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through a confused deputy attack pattern where a legitimate system component is tricked into performing actions on behalf of an unauthorized application. The com.lovelyfont.defcontainer application appears to function as a container or wrapper for font-related functionality but contains a design flaw that allows other applications to manipulate its behavior. Any application installed on the same device can potentially exploit this vulnerability due to the lack of proper access controls between system components. This creates a dangerous situation where a malicious application can escalate privileges and execute commands with the same permissions as the legitimate container application, effectively bypassing Android's security model that normally separates applications and protects system integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with a persistent means of executing arbitrary code on affected devices without requiring physical access or special privileges. The attack surface is broad since any application installed on the device can potentially exploit this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users install third-party applications from untrusted sources. This vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security architecture of Android by allowing privilege escalation through a pre-installed system component that should maintain strict access controls. The implications extend beyond simple command execution to potential full device compromise, data theft, and the ability to establish persistent backdoors that could remain undetected for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate device remediation through firmware updates from Asus, though given the age of the affected Android version, such updates may not be available for all affected devices. System administrators should implement application whitelisting policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications that could exploit this vulnerability. Network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect suspicious command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should consider device hardening measures including disabling unnecessary system components and implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper application sandboxing and privilege separation in Android system design, emphasizing the need for developers to follow secure coding practices and conduct thorough security reviews of pre-installed applications. This issue serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and security patches, particularly for legacy Android devices that may no longer receive official security updates from manufacturers.