CVE-2019-15441 in on7xeltelgt
Summary
by MITRE
The Samsung on7xeltelgt Android device with a build fingerprint of samsung/on7xeltelgt/on7xeltelgt:8.1.0/M1AJQ/G610LKLU2CSB1: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 described in CVE-2019-15441 represents a significant security flaw within Samsung's Android-based on7xeltelgt device, specifically affecting the pre-installed theme center application. This issue stems from improper access control mechanisms within the device's application framework, where the com.samsung.android.themecenter package exposes functionality that permits installation of additional applications through accessible app components. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the device's pre-installed application ecosystem, which typically enjoys elevated privileges and trust relationships within the Android security model.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the theme center application's component exposure, which allows other pre-installed applications to leverage its capabilities for installing additional software. This occurs through the use of signatureOrSystem permissions, a privilege level that grants applications access to system-level functions and the ability to interact with other system components. The vulnerability manifests when pre-installed applications that possess these elevated permissions can invoke the theme center's installation capabilities, effectively creating an attack vector that bypasses normal Android security boundaries. This behavior aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper permissions and access control issues in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized installations, as it creates potential pathways for malicious actors to deploy additional applications without proper user consent or system oversight. Attackers who can gain access to pre-installed applications with signatureOrSystem permissions can leverage this vulnerability to silently install malware, spyware, or other malicious components. The risk is amplified by the fact that these applications are part of the device's base system, making their compromise particularly dangerous. This vulnerability can be categorized under the ATT&CK framework's T1195.001 technique for "Phishing with Spoofed Delivery" and T1059.001 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as it enables unauthorized application deployment that can facilitate further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-layered approach focusing on both system-level and application-level security controls. Device manufacturers should implement stricter access control policies that prevent pre-installed applications from exposing installation capabilities to other applications within the same privileged group. The Android security model should be enhanced to enforce more granular permission controls, ensuring that applications with signatureOrSystem permissions cannot arbitrarily delegate installation privileges. Users should be made aware of the risks associated with pre-installed applications and the importance of keeping devices updated with the latest security patches. Additionally, security researchers and device manufacturers should conduct thorough code reviews of pre-installed applications to identify and remediate similar access control vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining strict boundaries between system applications and their exposed interfaces, as highlighted in the OWASP Mobile Top 10's M10:2016 - "Insufficient Cryptography" and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework's PR.AC-4, which emphasizes the need for access control management to protect against unauthorized system access and privilege escalation attacks.