CVE-2020-11600 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Samsung mobile devices with Q(10.0) software. There is arbitrary code execution in the Fingerprint Trustlet via a memory overwrite. The Samsung IDs are SVE-2019-16587, SVE-2019-16588, SVE-2019-16589 (April 2020).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2020-11600 represents a critical security flaw in Samsung mobile devices running Android 10.0 software, specifically within the fingerprint authentication system's trustlet component. This issue stems from improper memory management during fingerprint processing operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the device. The vulnerability affects the secure element responsible for handling biometric authentication data, which operates in a trusted execution environment separate from the main operating system. The Samsung security identifiers SVE-2019-16587, SVE-2019-16588, and SVE-2019-16589 collectively address different aspects of this memory overwrite vulnerability that exists within the fingerprint trustlet implementation.
The technical flaw manifests through a memory overwrite condition that occurs when the fingerprint trustlet processes authentication requests. This memory corruption vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the trustlet's execution flow by overwriting critical memory locations with malicious code. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though it operates at a more sophisticated level within the secure element's memory management. The trustlet environment typically operates with elevated privileges and direct hardware access, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous as it could bypass traditional operating system security controls and access sensitive biometric data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it compromises the fundamental security model of device authentication. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to fingerprint data, potentially enabling them to bypass device locks or perform unauthorized authentication operations. The memory overwrite allows for privilege escalation within the secure element, which could lead to complete device compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 by leveraging a local privilege escalation vector and T1552 by potentially accessing sensitive biometric information. The exploitation requires physical access to the device or a means to execute malicious code in the trustlet environment, making it particularly concerning for devices with high-security requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-11600 involve immediate software updates from Samsung addressing the memory management issues in the fingerprint trustlet. Users should ensure their devices receive the latest security patches, particularly those released in April 2020, which address the specific memory overwrite conditions. System administrators should implement comprehensive device monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider device lockdown procedures for high-risk environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure memory management in trusted execution environments and the need for robust input validation within secure elements. Organizations should also implement additional authentication layers beyond biometric systems and regularly audit device security configurations to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other trusted components.