CVE-2019-20543 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Samsung mobile devices with P(9.0) software. Attackers can bypass Factory Reset Protection (FRP) via SamsungPay mini. The Samsung ID is SVE-2019-15090 (November 2019).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20543 represents a critical security flaw in Samsung mobile devices running Android Pie version 9.0 and earlier. This weakness specifically affects the Factory Reset Protection mechanism, which is designed to prevent unauthorized use of devices after they have been factory reset. The vulnerability was disclosed through Samsung's internal security tracking system under the identifier SVE-2019-15090 and was reported in November 2019, highlighting a significant gap in Samsung's device security architecture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the SamsungPay mini application, which serves as a simplified payment interface on Samsung devices. Attackers can leverage this specific pathway to circumvent the FRP protection that typically requires users to authenticate with their Samsung account credentials before a device can be fully reset and reactivated. This bypass mechanism allows malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to devices without proper authentication, effectively neutralizing one of the primary security measures designed to protect user data and prevent device theft.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device security concerns to encompass broader implications for user privacy and data protection. When FRP protection is bypassed, attackers can restore devices to their factory settings without requiring legitimate account credentials, potentially enabling them to access sensitive personal information, financial data stored in SamsungPay, and other device-specific applications. This vulnerability creates a pathway for sophisticated attacks that could result in financial fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized data access, particularly affecting users who may have lost their devices or had them stolen.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-305 authentication bypass weaknesses and demonstrates how mobile payment applications can inadvertently create security entry points. The attack vector specifically targets the interaction between SamsungPay mini and the FRP system, representing a sophisticated exploitation technique that leverages legitimate application functionality to bypass intended security controls. Organizations and security professionals should consider this vulnerability when assessing mobile device security posture, particularly in enterprise environments where device management and security policies are paramount. The remediation approach would require Samsung to implement additional authentication layers and potentially modify how SamsungPay mini interacts with the device's FRP protection mechanisms.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend to the mobile security landscape and highlight the challenges of securing complex ecosystems where multiple applications interact with core device security features. This issue demonstrates that even well-established security measures can be compromised through unexpected attack vectors, particularly when applications like SamsungPay mini are not properly secured against malicious exploitation. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of comprehensive security testing across all device components, including specialized applications that may not receive the same level of scrutiny as core operating system functions.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability represents a significant risk to mobile device users and organizations that rely on Samsung devices for business operations. The ability to bypass FRP protection through SamsungPay mini creates a persistent security risk that could be exploited by both individual attackers and organized criminal groups. Mitigation strategies should include immediate device updates from Samsung, implementation of additional device management policies, and enhanced monitoring for suspicious device activity. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of continuous security assessments and the need for manufacturers to maintain robust security testing protocols throughout their product development lifecycle.