CVE-2019-20532 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Samsung mobile devices with O(8.x), P(9.0), and Q(10.0) software. Attackers can access the Developer options without authentication. The Samsung ID is SVE-2019-15800 (December 2019).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2020
This vulnerability affects Samsung mobile devices running operating system versions Oreo 8.x, Pie 9.0, and Q 10.0, representing a critical security flaw in the device's authentication mechanisms. The issue allows attackers to bypass the intended authentication requirements for accessing Developer options, which are typically restricted to authorized users. This represents a significant weakness in Samsung's security model where the normal access controls for sensitive system features have been compromised. The vulnerability was catalogued under Samsung ID SVE-2019-15800 and was disclosed in December 2019, highlighting the potential exposure period during which devices remained vulnerable to exploitation. The flaw essentially undermines the device's built-in security measures that are designed to prevent unauthorized access to advanced system configuration options that could be used for malicious purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of user authentication states within the device's software framework. When users attempt to access Developer options, the system should verify proper authentication credentials before granting access. However, in affected Samsung devices, this verification process has been bypassed or weakened, allowing any attacker with physical access to the device to gain entry to these sensitive areas. The flaw likely resides in the operating system's permission handling mechanisms or the specific implementation of the Developer options menu itself. This could involve issues with how the system validates user sessions, handles access control lists, or manages the transition between normal user mode and developer mode. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege where unauthorized access to potentially dangerous system functions is permitted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as Developer options typically provide access to features that could enable further exploitation or system compromise. These options often include USB debugging, wireless debugging, and other advanced configuration settings that could be leveraged by attackers to install malicious applications, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. The ability to access these features without authentication creates a significant attack surface that could be exploited in various scenarios including physical device compromise, supply chain attacks, or social engineering campaigns where attackers gain access to devices and then exploit this vulnerability. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where devices are not properly secured or where users are not adequately educated about the dangers of unauthorized access to system settings.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a clear violation of access control principles. The flaw could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) as attackers could use the access to Developer options to execute malicious code or escalate their privileges. Samsung's security model was clearly compromised in this instance, as the intended security boundaries were not maintained. Organizations should consider implementing additional security measures beyond the device-level protections, including mobile device management solutions that can enforce additional access controls and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security testing and validation of authentication mechanisms, particularly in mobile operating systems where physical access to devices can provide opportunities for exploitation. Mitigation strategies should include immediate software updates from Samsung, device lockdown procedures, and user education about the risks associated with unauthorized access to device settings.