CVE-2019-15744 in Xperia XZs
Summary
by MITRE
The Sony Xperia Xperia XZs Android device with a build fingerprint of Sony/keyaki_softbank/keyaki_softbank:7.1.1/TONE3-3.0.0-SOFTBANK-170517-0323/1:user/dev-keys contains a pre-installed app with a package name of jp.softbank.mb.tdrl app (versionCode=1413005, versionName=1.3.0) that allows unauthorized wireless settings modification via a confused deputy attack. This capability can be accessed by any app co-located on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15744 represents a critical security flaw in Sony Xperia XZs devices running Android 7.1.1, specifically affecting a pre-installed application named jp.softbank.mb.tdrl with version 1.3.0. This issue manifests as a confused deputy attack vector that enables unauthorized modification of wireless network settings through a privilege escalation mechanism. The vulnerability exists within the device's security model where a legitimate system application is improperly configured to accept and process requests from untrusted applications, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate network configurations without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper permission handling within the Android framework, where the vulnerable application fails to properly validate the identity of requesting processes. According to CWE-284, this represents an improper access control vulnerability where the application does not adequately verify the privileges of the calling process. The flaw allows any application co-located on the device to send requests that appear to originate from the legitimate system application, effectively bypassing the normal security boundaries that should protect wireless configuration settings. This confused deputy scenario occurs when the system incorrectly interprets a request from an untrusted source as coming from a trusted entity, enabling the malicious application to perform privileged operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network configuration changes, potentially enabling sophisticated attack vectors that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.3.005 for command and scripting interpreter usage. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent network access, redirect traffic through malicious proxies, or disable security features such as secure Wi-Fi connections. The pre-installed nature of the vulnerable application means that all Xperia XZs devices with this build fingerprint are affected, creating a widespread exposure across affected devices. Network administrators and security professionals should recognize this as a potential entry point for lateral movement within corporate environments where these devices might be used, as the vulnerability does not require physical access or special privileges to exploit.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15744 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. Organizations should implement strict application control policies that prevent unauthorized applications from being installed on affected devices, while also monitoring for suspicious network configuration changes that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability can be addressed through device firmware updates from Sony, though the specific patch details would need to be verified against official security advisories. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based detection mechanisms that monitor for unusual wireless configuration changes, as these could serve as indicators of exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of installing untrusted applications remains crucial, as the vulnerability can be exploited through malicious applications that simply need to be installed on the device to become effective attack vectors.