CVE-2021-25414 in Smart Phone
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2021
Improper sanitization of incoming intent in Samsung Contacts prior to SMR JUN-2021 Release 1 allows local attackers to copy or overwrite arbitrary files with Samsung Contacts privilege.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-25414 represents a critical security flaw in Samsung Contacts application affecting devices prior to the SMR JUN-2021 Release 1. This issue stems from improper sanitization of incoming intent parameters that are processed by the application when handling external data requests. The vulnerability exists within the Android intent handling mechanism where the Contacts application fails to adequately validate or sanitize data received through inter-process communication channels, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows local attackers to craft specially formatted intents that bypass normal security restrictions within the Contacts application. When the application processes these malformed intents, it fails to properly validate the source or content of the incoming data, enabling attackers to manipulate file operations within the application's privileged context. This improper sanitization creates a path for arbitrary file operations that should normally be restricted to system-level processes or require explicit user consent.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized file copying or overwriting operations with the elevated privileges associated with the Samsung Contacts application. The impact extends beyond simple data manipulation as it allows for potential persistence mechanisms within the device's file system. Attackers can leverage this privilege escalation to modify critical application data, potentially leading to broader system compromise or data exfiltration. The vulnerability specifically targets the Android framework's intent system which is fundamental to inter-application communication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious applications or compromised device components.
The flaw aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how insufficient sanitization of external inputs can lead to privilege escalation vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and potentially T1552, covering 'Unsecured Credentials'. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it requires minimal user interaction beyond the initial installation of a malicious application or the exploitation of another vulnerability that allows intent injection. The Samsung Contacts application's privileged access to device data makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to sensitive personal information stored within the device's contact management system.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch application to the SMR JUN-2021 Release 1 or later versions where the sanitization mechanisms have been properly implemented. System administrators should also consider monitoring for unusual file operations within the Contacts application context and implementing application control measures to prevent unauthorized applications from sending malicious intents to system applications. Additional defensive measures include regular security audits of application intent handling and ensuring proper input validation at all levels of the application stack. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and restrict potentially dangerous application behaviors.