CVE-2019-15437 in XCover4
Summary
by MITRE
The Samsung XCover4 Android device with a build fingerprint of samsung/xcover4ltexx/xcover4lte:8.1.0/M1AJQ/G390FXXU3BSA2:user/release-keys contains a pre-installed app with a package name of com.samsung.android.themecenter app (versionCode=7000100, versionName=7.0.1.0) 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-2019-15437 resides within the Samsung XCover4 Android device running Android 8.1.0, specifically involving the pre-installed com.samsung.android.themecenter application. This application serves as a theme management component that has been configured with excessive permissions and exported functionality that creates a security exposure. The vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of Android application component security controls, where the theme center application exports its capabilities to other pre-installed applications without proper access control mechanisms. This design flaw allows any pre-installed application with signatureOrSystem permissions to invoke the theme center's installation functionality, effectively creating an unauthorized app installation pathway.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves the abuse of Android's component access control model, where the exported app installation capabilities are not properly restricted to only legitimate system components. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-276 as "Incorrect Access Control" and represents a privilege escalation issue that violates the principle of least privilege. When a pre-installed application with signatureOrSystem permissions attempts to access the exported functionality, it can trigger the theme center component to install additional applications without proper user consent or authorization. This behavior constitutes a serious security flaw in the Android application sandboxing model, as it allows malicious or compromised pre-installed applications to silently install additional software components on the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized installations, creating a potential attack vector for persistent threats and malware deployment. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, spyware, or other malicious applications that would remain undetected by standard security mechanisms. The vulnerability affects the device's integrity and confidentiality, as it allows for unauthorized software modification without user awareness. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1195.002 (Pre-OS Boot) and T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation), as it enables an attacker to gain elevated privileges through the exploitation of legitimate system components. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it targets the pre-installed application ecosystem, which typically enjoys elevated trust levels and permissions within the Android security model.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from Samsung and device administrators. The primary recommendation involves implementing proper component access controls by removing or restricting the exported functionality of the theme center application. System administrators should ensure that only applications with legitimate need for theme management capabilities can access these functions, and that proper signature verification occurs before any installation operations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security audits of pre-installed applications and their exported components. Organizations should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can monitor for unauthorized application installations and enforce security policies that prevent such privilege escalation scenarios. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of installing applications from untrusted sources and the importance of keeping device firmware updated to address known vulnerabilities. The proper implementation of Android security controls, including the restriction of exported components and enforcement of permission boundaries, is essential to prevent exploitation of this type of access control weakness.