CVE-2023-30643 in Smart Phone
Summary
by MITRE • 07/06/2023
Missing authentication vulnerability in Galaxy Themes Service prior to SMR Jul-2023 Release 1 allows local attackers to delete arbitrary non-preloaded applications.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-30643 represents a critical authentication flaw within the Galaxy Themes Service component of Samsung's mobile operating system. This weakness exists in versions prior to the July 2023 Security Maintenance Release and specifically affects the authentication mechanisms that govern application deletion operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient verification processes that fail to properly authenticate local attackers before permitting destructive actions against non-preloaded applications. This creates a significant security gap where unauthorized local users can exploit the system to remove applications without proper authorization, potentially compromising device functionality and user data integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the Galaxy Themes Service's authorization framework which fails to enforce proper access controls during application deletion operations. When a local attacker executes a deletion command through the themes service interface, the system does not validate the caller's credentials or privileges before executing the removal operation. This authentication bypass allows malicious actors with local access to perform arbitrary deletions of applications that are not part of the preloaded system suite. The flaw operates at the service level where user permissions are not properly enforced, creating a path for privilege escalation through unauthorized application management operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risks to both individual users and enterprise environments. Local attackers can exploit this weakness to remove critical applications including security tools, productivity software, or personal data management applications. The impact extends beyond simple application removal as it can disrupt device functionality, compromise security postures, and potentially create recovery challenges for users. In enterprise settings, this vulnerability could enable malicious insiders or compromised devices to undermine security policies and operational continuity by selectively removing applications that are essential for business operations or security monitoring.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1566 related to credential access and privilege escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including deployment of the July 2023 Security Maintenance Release which addresses this specific authentication flaw. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unauthorized application deletion activities, implementing robust application whitelisting policies, and ensuring that local access controls are properly configured. System administrators should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable service and ensure complete remediation across all affected devices. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be prioritized to prevent similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities from emerging in other system components.