CVE-2019-5231 in P30
Summary
by MITRE
P30 smartphones with versions earlier than ELLE-AL00B 9.1.0.186(C00E180R2P1) have an improper authorization vulnerability. The software incorrectly performs an authorization check when a user attempts to perform certain action. Successful exploit could allow the attacker to update a crafted package.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5231 affects P30 smartphones running firmware versions prior to ELLE-AL00B 9.1.0.186(C00E180R2P1) and represents a critical authorization flaw that undermines the device's security model. This improper authorization vulnerability stems from a fundamental weakness in how the smartphone's operating system validates user permissions during package update operations. The flaw allows an attacker to bypass legitimate authorization checks that should normally prevent unauthorized package modifications, creating a pathway for malicious software installation and system compromise. The vulnerability exists at the software level within the package management system, where insufficient validation mechanisms fail to properly authenticate user intent before permitting system modifications. This authorization bypass occurs specifically during package update procedures, where the system should verify proper credentials and permissions before allowing installation of new software components.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to craft and install malicious packages that would otherwise be blocked by the device's security controls. The improper authorization check manifests as a failure in access control validation, where the system does not adequately verify that the user attempting to update a package possesses the necessary privileges or that the update originates from a trusted source. This weakness directly relates to CWE-285, which describes improper authorization within software systems, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through improper access control. The vulnerability creates a persistent security risk because once exploited, it allows attackers to install arbitrary software, potentially including malware or backdoors, that can operate with elevated privileges and compromise the device's integrity. The flaw essentially removes a critical security barrier that should prevent unauthorized modifications to the device's software environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized package installation, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain persistent access to the device, install rootkits, or modify system components that control device security features. The vulnerability affects the smartphone's overall security posture by undermining trust in the device's package management system and potentially compromising sensitive user data stored on the device. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform lateral movement within networks where the compromised device is connected, or to establish persistent access points for further exploitation. The risk is particularly significant because it affects mobile devices that are frequently used for business and personal communication, potentially exposing corporate networks to attacks through compromised endpoints. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects firmware versions that may be widely deployed in enterprise environments, making it a target for sophisticated threat actors seeking to compromise mobile infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5231 should focus on immediate firmware updates to the affected P30 smartphone models, with particular attention to upgrading to versions ELLE-AL00B 9.1.0.186(C00E180R2P1) or later. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that enforce automatic security updates and monitor for unauthorized package installations. Security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify potentially compromised devices within their networks and establish monitoring protocols for suspicious package installation activities. The remediation process should include verifying that all devices have been updated to the patched firmware version and confirming that the authorization mechanisms are functioning correctly. Additionally, network administrators should implement endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent unauthorized package installations, while also ensuring that mobile device management systems are configured to enforce proper access controls. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing mobile device security breaches.