CVE-2019-15433 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE
The Samsung A3 Android device with a build fingerprint of samsung/a3y17ltedx/a3y17lte:8.0.0/R16NW/A320YDXU4CSB3:user/release-keys contains a pre-installed app with a package name of com.samsung.android.themecenter app (versionCode=7000000, versionName=7.0.0.0) that allows other pre-installed apps to perform app installation 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-2019-15433 resides within the Samsung A3 Android device running Android 8.0.0 with build fingerprint samsung/a3y17ltedx/a3y17lte:8.0.0/R16NW/A320YDXU4CSB3. This security flaw is embedded within the pre-installed Samsung Theme Center application, specifically version 7.0.0.0 with version code 7000000, which operates as a system-level component with elevated privileges. The vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the Android application framework, where the Theme Center application exposes a component that permits installation operations to other pre-installed applications on the device. This design flaw represents a significant security weakness that directly violates the principle of least privilege and proper component isolation within the Android security model.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of Android's permission system and component accessibility mechanisms. Any pre-installed application on the device that can obtain signatureOrSystem permissions can leverage this exposed functionality to perform unauthorized application installations. The vulnerability specifically relates to the improper export of application components that should remain restricted to system-level operations only. This allows malicious or compromised pre-installed applications to bypass normal installation security checks and potentially install unauthorized applications with elevated privileges. The vulnerability manifests through the Android Manifest.xml configuration where the Theme Center application exports its installation capabilities without adequate permission checks or authentication mechanisms, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by any application with sufficient privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it provides a persistent backdoor for unauthorized application installation within the device's system environment. Attackers who can compromise any pre-installed application with signatureOrSystem permissions can leverage this capability to silently install malicious applications that operate at system level, potentially gaining root access or executing malicious code with elevated privileges. This vulnerability particularly affects the device's security posture by undermining the integrity of the application installation process and creating a vector for privilege escalation attacks. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized installations, as the compromised system can become a persistent threat that operates below the radar of normal security monitoring mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-276, which deals with improper privileges, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system-level remediation and architectural improvements. Organizations should ensure that all pre-installed applications undergo comprehensive security audits to identify and restrict unnecessary component exports. The Android system should enforce stricter permission validation for exported components, particularly those that handle installation operations. Device manufacturers should implement enhanced component isolation mechanisms and regular security scanning procedures to detect unauthorized component exposure. Users should be advised to maintain regular security updates and avoid installing applications from untrusted sources that might attempt to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, the implementation of Android security enhancements such as the introduction of permission groups and more granular permission controls can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future system implementations. The vulnerability highlights the critical need for proper security architecture design and the importance of adhering to security best practices in the development and deployment of system-level applications.