CVE-2024-34610 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2024
Improper access control in ExtControlDeviceService prior to SMR Aug-2024 Release 1 allows local attackers to access protected data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-34610 represents a critical access control flaw within the ExtControlDeviceService component of a software system prior to the SMR August 2024 Release 1. This issue stems from inadequate authorization mechanisms that permit local attackers to bypass intended security controls and gain unauthorized access to protected data. The flaw exists in the service's ability to properly validate and enforce access permissions, creating a pathway for malicious actors who already have local system access to escalate their privileges and retrieve sensitive information. Such vulnerabilities typically arise from insufficient input validation, improper privilege checking, or flawed security model implementation within the service layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the ExtControlDeviceService's failure to properly authenticate and authorize access requests for protected resources. Local attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific requests that circumvent the service's access control checks, potentially gaining read access to confidential data that should be restricted to authorized users or processes. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it operates at the service level where data protection mechanisms are expected to be robust and reliable. This type of flaw often aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control issues, and may also relate to CWE-285, addressing improper authorization scenarios. The service likely lacks proper validation of caller credentials or does not adequately enforce security boundaries that should separate different privilege levels.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on the affected software system, as local attackers who may already have system access can exploit this weakness to escalate their privileges and access sensitive data. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal additional privileges beyond local system access, making it relatively easy to exploit compared to remote attacks. Security teams must consider that attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access personal information, system configurations, or other protected data that could be used for further exploitation or data exfiltration. The impact extends beyond immediate data access, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistence or move laterally within the system. This vulnerability would typically be categorized under the attack technique T1078 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which covers valid accounts and legitimate credential use, as attackers could leverage local access to escalate privileges.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing proper access control mechanisms within the ExtControlDeviceService, including robust authentication checks, privilege validation, and proper enforcement of security boundaries. Organizations should immediately apply the SMR August 2024 Release 1 patch that addresses this vulnerability, as it contains the necessary security fixes to restore proper access controls. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough access control reviews to ensure that all services properly validate access requests and implement least privilege principles. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to verify that access controls are properly enforced and that legitimate users can still access required resources without undue restriction. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be performed to identify similar access control weaknesses in other components of the system, ensuring that the security model remains robust against both internal and external threats.