CVE-2022-30730 in Pass
Summary
by MITRE • 06/07/2022
Improper authorization in Samsung Pass prior to 1.0.00.33 allows physical attackers to acess account list without authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2022
Samsung Pass represents a mobile authentication application designed to facilitate secure access to various services through biometric verification and cryptographic authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-30730 stems from inadequate authorization controls within the application's implementation, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.0.00.33. This flaw creates a critical security gap where unauthorized physical access to a device can bypass the intended authentication barriers that should protect user account information.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as an improper authorization check that fails to properly validate user credentials or device state before granting access to sensitive account data. Attackers exploiting this weakness can leverage physical possession of a target device to directly access the account list without providing valid authentication factors such as biometric verification or PIN codes. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security model where the device's physical security posture directly correlates with the exposure of sensitive user information rather than maintaining proper authorization boundaries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for Samsung Pass users who may have their account information compromised through simple physical access to their devices. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no network connectivity, no complex exploitation techniques, and no specialized tools beyond basic device access. Security researchers categorize this issue under CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization within software systems, specifically when applications fail to properly enforce access control mechanisms. The vulnerability enables what cybersecurity practitioners would classify as a privilege escalation attack where an attacker gains elevated access through unauthorized means.
The impact extends beyond individual user privacy concerns to potential broader security implications including identity theft, unauthorized access to linked services, and cascading security breaches that could affect interconnected systems. This vulnerability directly violates principles outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1550.001, which covers use of valid accounts for unauthorized access. The flaw represents a critical weakness in the mobile application's security architecture where the absence of proper authorization checks creates an exploitable condition that undermines the entire security model of the authentication system.
Organizations and users should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to Samsung Pass version 1.0.00.33 or later, which addresses the authorization flaw through proper access control implementation. Additional protective measures include enabling strong device-level security controls such as screen locks, biometric authentication, and remote wipe capabilities. Security teams should monitor for potential exploitation attempts and consider implementing device management policies that enforce regular security updates and maintain awareness of the vulnerability's impact on their user base. The remediation process should also include user education regarding the importance of device security and the risks associated with physical access to authenticated systems.