CVE-2019-15451 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE
The Samsung J3 Android device with a build fingerprint of samsung/j3y17ltedx/j3y17lte:8.0.0/R16NW/J330GDXS3BSC1: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-2019-15451 resides within the Samsung J3 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 exposure mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from the improper exposure of application components within the pre-installed app ecosystem, creating an attack surface that allows unauthorized app installation capabilities to be leveraged by malicious actors within the device's trusted environment.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper export of application components within the Theme Center application, which operates under signatureOrSystem permissions. This configuration enables other pre-installed applications on the device to access and utilize the app installation capabilities that are typically restricted to system-level components. The vulnerability specifically targets the Android permission system where signature-level permissions are not properly enforced, allowing malicious pre-installed applications to exploit the exported functionality. This represents a classic case of insecure component exposure as classified under CWE-489, where components that should remain internal become accessible to other applications within the same privileged context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond traditional security boundaries since it operates within the pre-installed application ecosystem where applications already possess elevated privileges. Attackers could potentially install malicious applications without user interaction or explicit permission prompts, as the vulnerability allows for automatic installation through the compromised pre-installed app component. This capability particularly affects the device's security model by undermining the principle of least privilege, where pre-installed applications should only have access to their required functionality. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1106 for execution through legitimate system processes, as it exploits the legitimate pre-installed app infrastructure to perform unauthorized installations.
The attack surface created by this vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where applications have already been granted signature-level permissions. This means that even if an attacker cannot directly access the system components, they can leverage the legitimate pre-installed app infrastructure to bypass normal security controls. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor within the device's own security framework, allowing for privilege escalation and unauthorized application installation. Organizations and users should be aware that this vulnerability affects devices with specific build fingerprints and pre-installed application configurations, making it a targeted rather than widespread issue.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on restricting the exposure of system components and implementing stricter permission controls within the pre-installed application ecosystem. Device manufacturers should review and tighten the permission model for pre-installed applications, ensuring that only essential components are exported and that proper signature verification is enforced. Security professionals should monitor for unauthorized application installations and implement device management policies that prevent the installation of untrusted applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and the need for regular security audits of pre-installed applications, particularly those with elevated permissions. Organizations should consider implementing network-level controls and application whitelisting to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability, as the attack requires only internal access within the device's pre-installed application environment.