CVE-2021-25403 in Account
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2021
Intent redirection vulnerability in Samsung Account prior to version 10.8.0.4 in Android P(9.0) and below, and 12.2.0.9 in Android Q(10.0) and above allows attacker to access contacts and file provider using SettingWebView component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2021
The intent redirection vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-25403 represents a critical security flaw within Samsung Account applications across multiple Android versions. This vulnerability specifically affects devices running Android P version 9.0 and below, where the vulnerable Samsung Account version is prior to 10.8.0.4, and Android Q version 10.0 and above with versions prior to 12.2.0.9. The flaw resides in the SettingWebView component which serves as a web interface for account settings and configuration options. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of intent parameters that are used to redirect users to various application components or external services. When malicious actors exploit this weakness, they can manipulate the intent redirection mechanism to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources. This vulnerability falls under CWE-732 which categorizes inadequate permissions and access control issues, and specifically relates to improper control of a resource through which the system can be accessed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the WebView component's handling of intent parameters that are passed between different application modules. When the SettingWebView processes user interactions or system events, it fails to properly validate the intent URLs or components that are being redirected to. This lack of input sanitization allows attackers to craft malicious intents that redirect the application to unintended components or services. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted intent data that bypasses normal access controls and permissions checks. The malicious redirection can potentially lead to unauthorized access to contacts and file provider services through the compromised WebView component. This vulnerability creates a pathway for privilege escalation and data exfiltration attacks that can compromise user privacy and system integrity.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-25403 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass broader security implications for affected Samsung devices. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive user information stored in the contacts database and file provider services, potentially leading to identity theft, financial fraud, or corporate espionage. The vulnerability affects devices running on Android versions where Samsung Account is installed, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread adoption of Samsung smartphones and tablets. The exploitation of this flaw can occur through various attack vectors including malicious applications, phishing campaigns, or compromised websites that trick users into interacting with the vulnerable WebView component. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Android versions indicates a systemic issue in Samsung's implementation of intent handling mechanisms that requires immediate remediation. This flaw directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the use of local privilege escalation techniques to gain elevated system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-25403 focus on immediate software updates and security configuration changes. Organizations should prioritize updating Samsung Account applications to versions 10.8.0.4 for Android P and below, and 12.2.0.9 for Android Q and above to address the vulnerability. System administrators should implement network monitoring to detect suspicious intent redirection patterns and unauthorized access attempts. Additional protective measures include configuring proper intent filtering and validation mechanisms within the application code, implementing strict WebView security policies, and disabling unnecessary intent handlers that could be exploited. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when dealing with web components that interact with native application functionality. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all applications that utilize WebView components and implement comprehensive testing procedures to identify similar flaws in intent handling mechanisms. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other application components or third-party libraries that may be susceptible to similar intent redirection attacks.