CVE-2019-6331 in Mobile Print
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was found in Samsung Mobile Print (Android) versions prior to 4.08.007. A potential security vulnerability caused by incomplete obfuscation of application configuration information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6331 represents a significant security weakness in Samsung Mobile Print for Android applications prior to version 4.08.007. This issue stems from inadequate obfuscation practices during the application development process, creating potential exposure points that could be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw specifically targets the handling of application configuration information, which typically contains sensitive data that should remain protected from unauthorized access. Mobile print applications often require access to network configurations, device settings, and potentially user credentials or print job details that could be leveraged for further attacks if not properly secured.
The technical implementation flaw manifests through insufficient obfuscation of configuration parameters that are critical to the application's operation. Configuration information in mobile applications often includes connection strings, API keys, authentication tokens, and network protocol specifications that, when improperly obfuscated, become accessible to attackers through various exploitation techniques. This incomplete obfuscation creates a pathway for adversaries to reverse engineer application behavior and extract sensitive data that should remain protected. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which addresses improper handling of sensitive information, and represents a failure to implement proper application hardening measures. The weakness specifically impacts the application's ability to maintain confidentiality of its internal configuration data, potentially exposing system components that should remain hidden from unauthorized users.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for users of affected Samsung Mobile Print applications. Attackers who can access the unobfuscated configuration data may gain insights into network infrastructure, authentication mechanisms, and system architecture that could enable more sophisticated attacks. The exposure could lead to unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, or the ability to manipulate print jobs and potentially redirect them to malicious endpoints. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potential network-level attacks, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile printing solutions are integrated with corporate networks. This vulnerability could be leveraged as part of broader attack campaigns, potentially enabling lateral movement within networks or serving as a foothold for additional exploitation techniques. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that mobile printing applications often operate in environments with mixed security postures, where devices may connect to both secure and untrusted networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-6331 should prioritize immediate application updates to version 4.08.007 or later, which includes proper obfuscation of configuration information. Organizations should implement comprehensive application security testing practices that include code review processes focused on configuration data handling and obfuscation quality. The remediation process should involve thorough security assessments of all application components that handle sensitive information, ensuring that proper obfuscation techniques are implemented in accordance with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Mobile Security Project. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual print job patterns or network connections that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of continuous security testing and the need for robust application hardening practices that address not only code-level security but also configuration management and data protection mechanisms that align with NIST cybersecurity frameworks and defense-in-depth strategies.