CVE-2019-15440 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE
The Samsung J5 Android device with a build fingerprint of samsung/on5xeltedx/on5xelte:8.0.0/R16NW/G570YDXU2CRL1:user/release-keys contains a pre-installed app with a package name of com.samsung.android.themecenter app (versionCode=6010000, versionName=6.1.0.0) 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-2019-15440 resides within the Samsung J5 Android device running Android 8.0.0, specifically affecting the pre-installed com.samsung.android.themecenter application. This security flaw represents a critical design weakness in the device's permission model and component accessibility framework. The vulnerability manifests through the theme center application's improper exposure of its installation capabilities to other pre-installed applications on the device. The affected application version 6.1.0.0 with version code 6010000 demonstrates a lack of proper access control mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized installation operations from being initiated through legitimate system components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper export of app installation functionality within the Samsung theme center component. When other pre-installed applications on the device obtain signatureOrSystem permissions, they can leverage this exported capability to install additional applications without proper authorization or user consent. This architectural flaw creates an attack surface where malicious or compromised pre-installed applications can silently install additional software, potentially including malware or unauthorized applications. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges, permissions, and access controls, and demonstrates how exported components can be exploited when proper permission boundaries are not enforced.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized installations, creating a potential pathway for persistent threats and malware deployment. Attackers could exploit this weakness to install backdoors, surveillance tools, or other malicious applications that remain hidden from normal user detection mechanisms. The pre-installed nature of the vulnerable component means that these installations can occur without user awareness or consent, effectively bypassing normal Android security controls that typically require explicit user approval for new application installations. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where device security is paramount, as it undermines the fundamental security model of Android's application installation process and creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate device updates and security policy enforcement. Samsung should implement proper access control mechanisms that prevent unauthorized applications from utilizing the exported installation capabilities, ensuring that only explicitly trusted components can perform installation operations. Network administrators and security professionals should monitor for unauthorized application installations on affected devices and consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can detect and prevent such unauthorized activities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper Android security model implementation, particularly around the use of signatureOrSystem permissions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1103 which addresses process injection and component manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized applications from utilizing system-level capabilities that could be exploited through this vulnerability.