CVE-2019-6005 in Smart TV Box
Summary
by MITRE
Smart TV Box firmware version prior to 1300 allows remote attackers to bypass access restriction to conduct arbitrary operations on the device without user's intent, such as installing arbitrary software or changing the device settings via Android Debug Bridge port 5555/TCP.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6005 affects Smart TV Box firmware versions prior to 1300, presenting a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to bypass access restrictions and execute arbitrary operations on affected devices. This weakness exists through the Android Debug Bridge port 5555/TCP, which remains accessible without proper authentication mechanisms. The flaw represents a significant breach in the device's security architecture, as it allows unauthorized parties to gain control over the device's core functionalities and operational parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper configuration of the Android Debug Bridge service within the Smart TV Box firmware. The ADB port 5555/TCP operates without adequate authentication or access controls, creating an unauthenticated entry point that attackers can exploit to establish remote connections. This misconfiguration allows threat actors to perform operations that should normally require explicit user authorization, effectively circumventing the device's intended security boundaries. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control issues where systems fail to properly enforce access restrictions, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter, as attackers can execute arbitrary commands through the exposed debugging interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected Smart TV Box devices. Remote attackers can install malicious software, modify device settings, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the system. This capability enables a range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, surveillance operations, and the deployment of additional malware payloads. The implications are particularly concerning for IoT devices in home environments, as these systems often serve as entry points for broader network infiltration attempts, potentially compromising the entire home network infrastructure.
Security mitigations for CVE-2019-6005 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to version 1300 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the exposed ADB service vulnerability. Network administrators should implement firewall rules to block incoming connections on port 5555/TCP from external networks, while ensuring that the service remains disabled or properly secured within internal networks. The remediation process must also include comprehensive network segmentation to isolate IoT devices from critical business systems, thereby limiting the potential lateral movement of threats. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected devices and establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, implementing network access control policies that restrict ADB service usage to authorized personnel only will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.