CVE-2022-28775 in Flow
Summary
by MITRE • 04/12/2022
Improper access control vulnerability in Samsung Flow prior to version 4.8.06.5 allows attacker to write the file without Samsung Flow permission.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28775 represents a critical access control flaw within Samsung Flow, a cross-device productivity application designed to facilitate seamless connectivity between Samsung smartphones and tablets. This issue affects versions prior to 4.8.06.5 and stems from inadequate permission validation mechanisms that permit unauthorized file writing operations. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly verify user permissions before executing file system modifications, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate device storage without proper authorization. The flaw resides in the application's file handling logic where it does not adequately enforce the principle of least privilege, allowing arbitrary file operations to proceed regardless of the user's actual permissions or the application's intended security boundaries.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of Samsung Flow's file system interfaces, where attackers can leverage the improper access control to write files to locations that should be restricted. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically related to insufficient access control validation and improper privilege management. Attackers can potentially write malicious files, modify existing data, or create unauthorized system modifications that could compromise device integrity and user privacy. The flaw's impact extends beyond simple file manipulation as it could enable more sophisticated attacks such as payload delivery, persistence mechanisms, or data exfiltration through unauthorized file system modifications.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are significant within enterprise and consumer environments where Samsung Flow is utilized for productivity and device synchronization. Organizations relying on Samsung Flow for cross-device collaboration may face unauthorized data modification, potential data loss, or compromised device security if attackers exploit this access control weakness. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of the application by undermining its ability to enforce proper access controls, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or create persistent backdoors. This flaw particularly impacts users who depend on Samsung Flow for sensitive business operations or personal data synchronization, as unauthorized file modifications could lead to data corruption or unauthorized access to confidential information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-28775 require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided security patch version 4.8.06.5 which addresses the improper access control mechanisms. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of all Samsung Flow installations and ensure proper patch management protocols are followed. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file system activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control enforcement in mobile applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter where attackers might leverage such flaws to execute unauthorized operations. Security teams should implement application whitelisting controls and monitor file system modifications for unauthorized activities, while also considering the broader implications of inadequate access control mechanisms in mobile productivity applications that handle sensitive user data across multiple device platforms.