CVE-2020-15580 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Samsung mobile devices with O(8.x), P(9.0), and Q(10.0) software. Attackers can bypass Factory Reset Protection (FRP) by enrolling a new lock password. The Samsung ID is SVE-2020-17328 (July 2020).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2020
This vulnerability affects Samsung mobile devices running operating system versions Oreo 8.x, Pie 9.0, and Q 10.0, representing a critical security flaw in the device's Factory Reset Protection mechanism. The issue allows attackers to circumvent the FRP safeguards that are designed to prevent unauthorized access to devices after a factory reset operation. Factory Reset Protection serves as a fundamental security feature that requires users to authenticate with their Samsung account credentials before a device can be fully reset and reactivated. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers exploit a weakness in the device's authentication flow that permits the enrollment of a new lock password, effectively bypassing the original FRP restrictions that should prevent device reactivation without proper authorization. This flaw represents a significant compromise to device security and user privacy, as it undermines the core protection mechanisms that prevent stolen or lost devices from being easily compromised by unauthorized individuals.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a design flaw in how Samsung handles the transition between different authentication states during device reset operations. When a user attempts to perform a factory reset on a Samsung device with FRP enabled, the system should require the original Samsung account credentials to proceed with the reset process. However, the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the authentication sequence by enrolling a new lock password, which effectively creates a bypass path through the FRP protection mechanism. This occurs because the device's security model fails to properly validate that the new password enrollment is being performed by an authorized user with legitimate access to the device's original account. The flaw operates at the operating system level within Samsung's custom Android implementation, where the authentication logic does not adequately distinguish between legitimate user actions and malicious attempts to circumvent protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device security concerns to encompass broader implications for user privacy and data protection. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can effectively take control of a device without requiring the original owner's Samsung account credentials, which defeats the fundamental purpose of FRP protection. This creates a significant risk for users whose devices may be lost or stolen, as the device can be rendered useless for legitimate purposes while simultaneously providing unauthorized access to the device's data and functionality. The vulnerability affects all Samsung devices running the specified operating system versions, making it a widespread concern across a large user base. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed without requiring physical access to the device or specialized technical knowledge, as the process can be completed through standard device management interfaces. This vulnerability directly violates the security principles outlined in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, specifically relating to weak authentication mechanisms and insufficient access control validation.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation. The flaw enables an attacker to perform a form of credential bypass that allows unauthorized access to device functionality, which aligns with techniques such as "Brute Force" and "Credential Access" within the ATT&CK matrix. The vulnerability also demonstrates a weakness in the device's integrity verification processes, which should prevent unauthorized modifications to the device's security state. Organizations and individuals should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest available firmware versions from Samsung, which typically address this class of vulnerability through enhanced authentication validation. The recommended approach involves ensuring that all affected devices receive security patches that properly enforce the validation of authentication credentials during factory reset operations. Additionally, users should be advised to enable additional security measures such as device encryption, remote wipe capabilities, and regular security updates to minimize the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of robust authentication mechanisms and proper access control validation in mobile device security implementations, as highlighted in industry security standards and best practices for mobile device management.