CVE-2020-25282 in LG
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on LG mobile devices with Android OS 10 software. The lguicc software (for the LG Universal Integrated Circuit Card) allows attackers to bypass intended access restrictions on property values. The LG ID is LVE-SMP-200020 (September 2020).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-25282 represents a critical security flaw within the LG Universal Integrated Circuit Card (uicc) software component that governs SIM card operations on LG mobile devices running Android 10. This issue stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the lguicc software module, which is responsible for managing secure communication between the device and the SIM card. The vulnerability specifically targets the property value access restrictions that should normally prevent unauthorized modification or reading of sensitive SIM card parameters. The flaw allows attackers to bypass these intended security controls, potentially gaining access to confidential information stored on the SIM card or manipulating device behavior through unauthorized property value changes. This vulnerability was officially acknowledged by LG under the internal identifier LVE-SMP-200020 and reported in September 2020, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by mobile device manufacturers in maintaining secure SIM card interface implementations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the uicc software's access control mechanisms, which are designed to enforce proper authorization checks before allowing access to SIM card properties. When attackers can bypass these restrictions, they effectively gain unauthorized access to sensitive information that should remain protected within the SIM card's secure environment. This includes potentially sensitive data such as subscriber identity parameters, authentication keys, or other proprietary information stored on the SIM card. The vulnerability operates at the system level within the Android framework, specifically targeting the integration between the mobile operating system and the SIM card management software. It represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, where unauthorized entities can access system resources that should be restricted to legitimate system components or authorized applications. This type of flaw typically falls under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1547.001 for registry run keys and startup folder, as it enables unauthorized modifications to system-level properties.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-25282 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks that could compromise device security and user privacy. Attackers with access to this vulnerability could potentially perform SIM card cloning operations, intercept communications, or manipulate device authentication processes that rely on SIM card properties. The vulnerability affects all LG mobile devices running Android 10, creating a substantial attack surface for threat actors who target these specific device models. This represents a significant concern for enterprise users and individuals who rely on LG devices for sensitive communications, as the compromised access could enable man-in-the-middle attacks or facilitate unauthorized network access. The vulnerability's persistence in the device's software stack means that even if users attempt to secure their devices through standard security measures, the underlying flaw in the uicc software continues to provide attack vectors for determined adversaries. The potential for remote exploitation makes this particularly concerning as attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability without physical access to the device, especially in scenarios where the device is connected to cellular networks or when the attacker has access to the device through other means.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-25282 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the official security patches provided by LG for affected Android 10 devices, which typically include updates to the uicc software component that address the access control bypass. Organizations and individuals should prioritize updating their LG devices to the latest available firmware versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, network operators should consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous SIM card behavior or unauthorized access attempts that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing device management policies that restrict access to sensitive system components and regularly audit device configurations to ensure that proper access controls remain in place. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all device components, particularly those that interface with hardware security elements like SIM cards. This incident highlights the necessity for comprehensive security testing of system-level components, particularly those that handle sensitive data access and authentication mechanisms, as outlined in security frameworks that emphasize the protection of critical system interfaces and the enforcement of proper access controls to prevent unauthorized system modifications.