CVE-2022-33702 in Smart Phone
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2022
Improper authorization vulnerability in Knoxguard prior to SMR Jul-2022 Release 1 allows local attacker to disable keyguard and bypass Knoxguard lock by factory reset.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-33702 represents a critical authorization flaw within Samsung KnoxGuard security framework affecting devices prior to the July 2022 Security Maintenance Release. This weakness resides in the improper handling of authorization checks within the KnoxGuard system, specifically in how the security module manages keyguard enforcement and device lock mechanisms. The vulnerability allows a local attacker with physical access or existing device privileges to exploit a gap in the authorization process that governs security policy enforcement.
The technical flaw manifests through a failure in the KnoxGuard authorization mechanism that controls device lock states and security policies. When a device is subjected to a factory reset operation, the vulnerability permits bypass of the keyguard protection that normally enforces security policies and prevents unauthorized access to protected data. This occurs because the system does not properly validate authorization context during the factory reset process, allowing the attacker to manipulate the security state and effectively disable the KnoxGuard lock. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-285 Improper Authorization, which specifically addresses situations where an attacker can bypass authorization checks or perform actions without proper permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for enterprise security environments that rely on KnoxGuard for mobile device management and data protection. A local attacker who gains access to a device can exploit this vulnerability to completely bypass the security controls that KnoxGuard is designed to enforce. This creates a scenario where sensitive corporate data that should remain protected becomes accessible to unauthorized users who can perform factory reset operations and subsequently disable the security mechanisms. The attack vector requires only local access and does not necessitate network connectivity or remote exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical device access is possible.
The attack chain begins with an attacker obtaining local access to a vulnerable device running KnoxGuard prior to the July 2022 security update. The attacker can then initiate a factory reset operation, which triggers the authorization flaw that allows bypass of the keyguard protection. Once the factory reset is complete, the KnoxGuard lock mechanism is effectively disabled, allowing access to protected data and system resources that should remain secured. This vulnerability directly impacts the ATT&CK technique T1490, which covers "Inhibit System Recovery" and T1059, "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as the attacker can leverage the system to execute unauthorized operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of the July 2022 Samsung Security Maintenance Release which addresses the authorization flaw in KnoxGuard. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that enforce regular security updates and monitor for unauthorized factory reset operations. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing device-level monitoring that detects anomalous reset patterns and enforces additional authentication requirements before allowing factory reset operations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper authorization validation in security frameworks and demonstrates the critical need for continuous security updates to address emerging threats in mobile device management systems.