CVE-2019-15423 in Bluboo
Summary
by MITRE
The Bluboo Bluboo_S1 Android device with a build fingerprint of BLUBOO/Bluboo_S1/Bluboo_S1:7.0/NRD90M/1495809471:user/release-keys contains a pre-installed app with a package name of com.mediatek.factorymode app (versionCode=1, versionName=1) that allows unauthorized wireless settings modification 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-2019-15423 represents a critical security flaw in the Bluboo S1 Android device that stems from improper privilege management within a pre-installed factory mode application. This issue manifests through a confused deputy attack vector that enables any application resident on the device to manipulate wireless settings without proper authorization. The affected application com.mediatek.factorymode operates with excessive privileges that extend beyond its legitimate function, creating an attack surface that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and principle of least privilege enforcement. The device build fingerprint BLUBOO/Bluboo_S1/Bluboo_S1:7.0/NRD90M/1495809471:user/release-keys indicates this vulnerability exists in a specific Android 7.0 release configuration that fails to properly sandbox or restrict access to critical system functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic confused deputy scenario where the factory mode application inadvertently permits other applications to execute privileged operations through its established permissions. This occurs because the application does not properly validate the calling context or enforce proper access controls when processing wireless configuration requests. The flaw specifically affects the wireless settings modification capabilities, allowing malicious or compromised applications to alter network parameters, potentially enabling man-in-the-middle attacks, network reconnaissance, or unauthorized access to corporate networks. According to CWE-284, this represents an improper access control vulnerability where the application fails to properly enforce authorization checks. The attack vector can be exploited by any application that is co-located on the device, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special privileges or user interaction beyond installation of the malicious application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple wireless configuration changes to encompass significant security implications for device users and enterprise environments. An attacker who gains access to install an application on the device can potentially redirect network traffic, disable security features, or create backdoors through wireless settings manipulation. This capability can be leveraged to establish persistent access points, compromise network integrity, or facilitate data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects the device's ability to maintain secure network connections and can lead to unauthorized network access that violates enterprise security policies and compliance requirements. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as it enables attackers to modify device settings to facilitate further exploitation. The issue also relates to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as compromised applications can execute commands through the modified wireless configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15423 require immediate action through firmware updates and proper application sandboxing. Device manufacturers should implement strict permission controls that prevent factory mode applications from accepting untrusted input or delegating privileges to other applications. The recommended approach involves enforcing proper access control mechanisms that validate the calling application context and ensure that only authorized components can modify wireless settings. Network administrators should conduct thorough device audits to identify and remove vulnerable factory applications where possible, though complete removal may require firmware updates from the manufacturer. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized wireless configuration changes and implementation of network-based controls to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper privilege separation and demonstrates the critical need for security reviews of pre-installed applications that may contain elevated privileges. Organizations should also implement mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and prevent installation of potentially malicious applications that could exploit this vulnerability.