CVE-2019-20595 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Samsung mobile devices with P(9.0) software. Quick Panel allows enabling or disabling the Bluetooth stack without authentication. The Samsung ID is SVE-2019-14545 (July 2019).
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2020
This vulnerability exists in Samsung mobile devices running Android Pie version 9.0 and represents a critical security flaw in the device's Quick Panel functionality. The issue allows unauthorized users to enable or disable the Bluetooth stack without proper authentication, creating a significant attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability was identified and documented under Samsung's internal security tracking system as SVE-2019-14545, highlighting the company's recognition of the severity of this authentication bypass issue.
The technical flaw stems from improper access control mechanisms within the Quick Panel implementation, which is a system-level interface that provides quick access to various device functions including wireless connectivity options. This vulnerability specifically affects the Bluetooth stack management functionality, allowing an attacker with physical access to the device or a malicious application to manipulate Bluetooth connectivity without requiring proper authentication credentials. The flaw demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege, where system-level functions that should require authentication are accessible through the user interface without proper verification.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates multiple attack vectors for threat actors. An attacker could potentially disable Bluetooth functionality to prevent legitimate device pairing, or enable it to establish unauthorized connections with malicious devices. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level and does not require elevated privileges or complex exploitation techniques. This makes it accessible to both sophisticated attackers and less technically skilled threat actors, increasing the potential for widespread exploitation.
The security implications extend beyond simple Bluetooth control, as Bluetooth connectivity is often used for device pairing with other systems including automotive infotainment systems, smart home devices, and medical equipment. This vulnerability could enable man-in-the-middle attacks, device impersonation, or unauthorized data access through Bluetooth connections. The flaw aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and represents a clear violation of the security principle that system-level functions should require appropriate authentication before execution.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper authentication checks for all system-level functions accessible through the Quick Panel interface. Device manufacturers should ensure that critical system functions require proper user authentication before execution, and that the interface properly validates user credentials. Users should be encouraged to keep their devices updated with the latest security patches, as Samsung likely addressed this vulnerability in subsequent software updates. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and monitor for unauthorized system changes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper interface design and access control implementation in mobile operating systems, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive security testing of system-level user interfaces.