CVE-2019-15435 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE
The Samsung A7 Android device with a build fingerprint of samsung/a7y17ltexx/a7y17lte:8.0.0/R16NW/A720FXXU7CSC2: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-2019-15435 resides within the Samsung A7 Android device running Android 8.0.0, specifically affecting the pre-installed theme center application with package name com.samsung.android.themecenter. This flaw represents a significant security weakness in the device's permission model and component accessibility controls. The vulnerability stems from the improper exposure of application installation capabilities through an accessible app component that was designed to allow legitimate theme management functions but inadvertently created a pathway for unauthorized app installation operations.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper export of application components within the Samsung Theme Center application, which was built with signatureOrSystem permissions that grant access to other pre-installed applications on the device. This design flaw creates a privilege escalation vector where any pre-installed application possessing the necessary system-level permissions can invoke the vulnerable component to install additional applications without proper user consent or explicit authorization. The vulnerability operates at the application level and leverages Android's permission system to bypass normal security boundaries that should protect against unauthorized installation activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized app installation, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by malicious pre-installed applications or compromised system components. Attackers with access to system-level applications could potentially install malicious software, spyware, or other harmful applications without user knowledge or consent, effectively undermining the device's security model and user trust. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can be categorized under CWE-276, which addresses improper permissions for a resource, and CWE-732, which covers incorrect permissions for a resource.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1106 for execution through API, as the vulnerable component allows for programmatic installation of applications through system APIs. The vulnerability also relates to T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation, and T1133, which addresses external remote services, as it enables unauthorized installation of applications that could establish persistent access points or communication channels. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it operates within the trusted pre-installed application ecosystem, making detection more difficult and exploitation more effective.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate system updates and patches provided by Samsung to address the improper component exposure and permission configuration. Organizations and users should implement application whitelisting policies to restrict which pre-installed applications can access system installation capabilities, and should monitor for unauthorized application installations through system logs and security monitoring tools. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper component declaration and permission management within Android applications, particularly for system-level applications that have broad access to device functionality. Regular security audits of pre-installed applications and their exported components should be conducted to identify similar exposure vulnerabilities and ensure that the principle of least privilege is maintained throughout the system architecture.