CVE-2019-20574 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Samsung mobile devices with N(7.x), O(8.x), and P(9.0) software. There is local SQL injection in the Wi-Fi history Content Provider. The Samsung ID is SVE-2019-14061 (August 2019).
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20574 represents a critical local SQL injection flaw within the Wi-Fi history Content Provider of Samsung mobile devices running Android versions Nougat 7.x, Oreo 8.x, and Pie 9.0. This issue was formally acknowledged by Samsung under their internal tracking system as SVE-2019-14061 and was disclosed in August 2019. The vulnerability resides in the Android framework's handling of Wi-Fi network history data, specifically within the Content Provider component responsible for managing and exposing Wi-Fi connection records to other applications on the device. The flaw allows malicious applications with appropriate permissions to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of stored Wi-Fi network information including network names, connection timestamps, and other metadata.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation within the Content Provider's query handling mechanism. When applications attempt to retrieve Wi-Fi history data through the Content Provider interface, the system fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into SQL queries. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads that can manipulate the database structure, extract sensitive information, or even modify existing records. The vulnerability specifically affects the Wi-Fi history functionality where applications can query network connection details, and the improper sanitization enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute unauthorized database operations. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is classified as a high-severity vulnerability in the OWASP Top Ten security risks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables persistent local attacks that can remain undetected for extended periods. An attacker with local access to a compromised device can leverage this vulnerability to extract stored Wi-Fi network credentials, connection patterns, and potentially sensitive location data that could reveal user behavior and movement patterns. The implications are particularly concerning given that Wi-Fi history data often contains information about networks the device has connected to, which could include corporate networks, home networks, or public hotspots that may contain sensitive information. This vulnerability undermines the device's local data protection mechanisms and could facilitate further attacks by providing attackers with additional information about the device's network environment. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that the Content Provider interface is accessible to other applications on the device, potentially allowing privilege escalation attacks that could lead to complete device compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-20574 require immediate remediation through official Samsung firmware updates and patches released after the vulnerability disclosure. Users should ensure their devices are running the latest security patches from Samsung, particularly those addressing the Android framework's Content Provider implementation and SQL injection handling. The vulnerability can be addressed through proper input validation and parameterized queries within the Content Provider code, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly sanitized before database operations. Security researchers and device manufacturers should implement comprehensive code reviews focusing on database interaction patterns and input validation routines. Additionally, application developers should avoid direct SQL query construction from user input and instead utilize secure database access patterns that prevent SQL injection through proper parameterization. Organizations should consider implementing mobile device management policies that enforce timely security updates and monitor for potentially malicious applications that might attempt to exploit this vulnerability. The remediation approach aligns with the ATT&CK framework's mitigation strategies for privilege escalation and credential access, emphasizing the importance of secure coding practices and timely patch management to prevent exploitation of local vulnerabilities that could lead to broader security compromise.