CVE-2021-25353 in Galaxy Themes
Summary
by MITRE • 03/25/2021
Using empty PendingIntent in Galaxy Themes prior to version 5.2.00.1215 allows local attackers to read/write private file directories of Galaxy Themes application without permission via hijacking the PendingIntent.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-25353 represents a significant security flaw in Samsung Galaxy Themes application prior to version 5.2.00.1215. This issue stems from the improper handling of PendingIntent objects within the application's architecture, creating a pathway for local privilege escalation and unauthorized file system access. The vulnerability specifically exploits the use of empty PendingIntent instances that should have been properly initialized with valid intent parameters, allowing malicious local processes to intercept and manipulate these pending operations.
The technical exploitation occurs through a PendingIntent hijacking mechanism where attackers can leverage the empty PendingIntent to gain unauthorized access to the Galaxy Themes application's private file directories. This flaw operates at the Android application level and demonstrates a critical failure in the application's intent handling and permission management systems. The vulnerability enables attackers to read and write files within the application's private storage space, potentially accessing sensitive user data, configuration files, or application-specific resources that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a classic case of privilege escalation through improper intent handling. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires only local access to the device, making it exploitable through malicious applications or compromised user accounts. The operational impact extends beyond simple data theft, as attackers could potentially modify application behavior, inject malicious content, or establish persistent access patterns within the themes application environment. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through the exploitation of application vulnerabilities.
The security implications of this flaw are substantial as it undermines the fundamental security model of Android applications, particularly concerning the isolation between different application processes. Local attackers can exploit this vulnerability to bypass the application's intended access controls and gain unauthorized access to private data. The lack of proper validation and initialization of PendingIntent objects creates a window of opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate the application's intended behavior and access sensitive resources within the themes application's private storage areas. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected devices and implement monitoring for suspicious file access patterns within the Galaxy Themes application context.