CVE-2019-15439 in XCover4
Summary
by MITRE
The Samsung XCover4 Android device with a build fingerprint of samsung/xcover4ltedo/xcover4lte:8.1.0/M1AJQ/G390YDXU2BSA1: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-2019-15439 resides within the Samsung XCover4 Android device ecosystem, specifically targeting a pre-installed application named com.samsung.android.themecenter. This application operates with version code 7000100 and version name 7.0.1.0, representing a critical security flaw in the device's permission model and component accessibility framework. The issue stems from the improper exposure of app installation capabilities through accessible app components, creating an attack surface that extends beyond the intended security boundaries of the device's pre-installed application architecture.
The technical flaw manifests through the misconfiguration of exported app components within the Samsung Theme Center application, which inadvertently grants signatureOrSystem permissions to other pre-installed applications on the device. This permission model allows malicious or compromised pre-installed applications to leverage the theme center's installation capabilities, effectively bypassing normal Android security controls that typically restrict application installation operations. The vulnerability specifically affects devices with build fingerprint samsung/xcover4ltedo/xcover4lte:8.1.0/M1AJQ/G390YDXU2BSA1, indicating a targeted issue within Samsung's Android 8.1.0 implementation for this particular device model.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for Samsung XCover4 users, as it enables unauthorized application installation through legitimate pre-installed applications. The attack vector leverages the trust relationship between pre-installed applications and the device's system-level permissions, allowing threat actors to install malicious applications without user interaction or explicit consent. This capability directly violates fundamental Android security principles and represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that can be exploited to gain persistent access to the device. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges, and specifically relates to CWE-732, which covers incorrect permissions.
The security implications extend beyond simple unauthorized installations, as this vulnerability can facilitate more sophisticated attacks including the installation of malicious themes, malware distribution, or the creation of backdoor applications that persist across device reboots. Attackers can exploit this flaw to install applications that maintain persistence, collect user data, or establish command and control channels. The vulnerability also intersects with ATT&CK technique T1064, which involves creating or modifying system processes, and T1103, which covers application installation on remote systems. Organizations using these devices face potential data breaches, unauthorized access, and compromised device integrity, particularly in enterprise environments where device security is paramount.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected Samsung devices through official firmware updates, implementation of mobile device management policies that restrict pre-installed application permissions, and regular security audits of device configurations. Network administrators should consider implementing application blacklisting measures and monitoring for unauthorized application installations. Additionally, users should avoid installing applications from untrusted sources and maintain regular device updates to address known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper Android permission model implementation and component exposure controls, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing of pre-installed applications within mobile device ecosystems. Organizations should also consider deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent unauthorized application installations, particularly those leveraging system-level permissions.