CVE-2019-15426 in Mi 5s Plus
Summary
by MITRE
The Xiaomi 5S Plus Android device with a build fingerprint of Xiaomi/natrium/natrium:6.0.1/MXB48T/7.1.5:user/release-keys contains a pre-installed app with a package name of com.miui.powerkeeper app (versionCode=40000, versionName=4.0.00) 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-2019-15426 represents a critical security flaw in Xiaomi's MIUI operating system affecting the Xiaomi 5S Plus device. This issue stems from a pre-installed application named com.miui.powerkeeper which operates with elevated privileges and contains a confused deputy vulnerability that allows malicious applications to manipulate wireless settings without proper authorization. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exists within the system's core power management framework, making it accessible to any application that can be installed on the device, thereby creating a persistent security risk for all users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a confused deputy attack pattern where the legitimate powerkeeper application inadvertently permits unauthorized access to its wireless configuration capabilities. The flaw manifests through improper privilege validation mechanisms within the Android permission model, specifically in how the system handles inter-process communication and intent forwarding. This vulnerability operates at the system level and leverages the fact that the powerkeeper application has been granted broad permissions that extend beyond its intended functionality. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges or root access to exploit, making it accessible to any application that can be installed on the device, including potentially malicious third-party applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple wireless configuration modification, as it fundamentally undermines the device's security model by allowing unauthorized modification of critical system parameters. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to disable wireless security features, modify network settings, or redirect network traffic without user knowledge or consent. This capability directly relates to several attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the category of privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability can be exploited to create backdoors, establish persistent network access, or disable security features that protect against other types of attacks. The affected device model represents a significant portion of the installed base, making the impact of this vulnerability widespread and potentially affecting millions of users globally.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected system components, though in many cases such patches may not be available for older device models. System administrators and users should implement strict application installation controls and regularly audit installed applications to prevent malicious software from gaining access to the device's core system functions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper privilege management and the need for comprehensive security reviews of pre-installed applications. Organizations should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can monitor and restrict access to sensitive system functions. This vulnerability also underscores the necessity of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and regular security assessments of mobile platforms to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper access control mechanisms in system-level applications.