CVE-2022-39909 in Gear IconX PC Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 12/08/2022
Insufficient verification of data authenticity vulnerability in Samsung Gear IconX PC Manager prior to version 2.1.221019.51 allows local attackers to create arbitrary file using symbolic link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-39909 represents a critical insufficient verification of data authenticity flaw within Samsung Gear IconX PC Manager software. This weakness exists in versions prior to 2.1.221019.51 and specifically affects the application's handling of file creation operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation mechanisms that fail to properly authenticate the source and integrity of data being processed by the application. Attackers exploiting this flaw can manipulate the software's file creation behavior through the strategic use of symbolic links, effectively bypassing normal security controls that would typically prevent unauthorized file operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows local attackers to leverage symbolic link manipulation techniques to create arbitrary files within the system. When the Gear IconX PC Manager processes certain data inputs, it does not sufficiently validate whether the target file paths represent legitimate operations or malicious symbolic link attempts. This creates a path traversal scenario where attackers can specify file paths that resolve to locations outside of the intended application scope. The flaw operates at the file system interaction level, where the application's file creation functions do not properly verify the authenticity of symbolic links before executing the underlying file operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for users running affected versions of Samsung Gear IconX PC Manager. Local attackers who can execute code on the target system gain the ability to create malicious files in arbitrary locations, potentially leading to privilege escalation or persistent malware installation. The attack vector requires local system access, making it particularly concerning for environments where physical security is compromised or where users have elevated privileges. The vulnerability can be exploited to establish backdoors, modify system files, or inject malicious components into the device's software ecosystem, potentially affecting the overall integrity and security posture of the connected device.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and reflects patterns commonly associated with path traversal attacks. This weakness also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could potentially use the created files to execute malicious code. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with T1547, representing a potential privilege escalation vector through unauthorized file creation. Organizations should prioritize updating to version 2.1.221019.51 or later, which includes proper input validation and authentication mechanisms for file creation operations. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual file creation patterns and consider restricting local user privileges to minimize potential impact from such attacks. The fix addresses the core issue by implementing robust verification of symbolic link authenticity before allowing file creation operations to proceed.