CVE-2024-34611 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2024
Improper access control in KnoxService prior to SMR Aug-2024 Release 1 allows local attackers to get sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-34611 represents a critical access control flaw within the KnoxService component of Samsung's mobile security framework. This issue affects devices running Samsung Knox prior to the SMR August 2024 security release, creating a significant security gap that could be exploited by local attackers to access sensitive information. The vulnerability resides in the improper implementation of access controls within the KnoxService, which is responsible for managing various security policies and configurations on Samsung devices. This flaw specifically impacts the authorization mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized access to confidential data and system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of permissions and access rights within the KnoxService. Attackers with local access to a device can exploit this weakness to bypass normal security boundaries and obtain sensitive information that should be restricted to authorized processes or users. The flaw likely involves insufficient input validation, improper privilege checking, or flawed permission model implementation that allows malicious applications or processes to escalate their privileges and access restricted data. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-284 category of Improper Access Control, which specifically addresses weaknesses in authorization mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to resources. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it affects the core security service that protects device integrity and user data confidentiality.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-34611 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could enable attackers to gain deeper access to device functionalities and potentially compromise the entire security ecosystem. Local attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data such as encryption keys, user credentials, application data, or system configuration information that could be used for further exploitation. The attack surface is particularly wide given that KnoxService is integral to Samsung's enterprise security features and device management capabilities. This vulnerability could be exploited as part of a broader attack chain, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or even complete device compromise. The implications are especially severe for enterprise environments where Samsung devices are used for corporate security, as this flaw could undermine the security posture of entire organizations.
Organizations and users should prioritize immediate remediation by installing the SMR August 2024 security update that addresses this vulnerability. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive device inventory assessment to identify affected systems and implementation of additional monitoring measures to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review existing access control policies and implement network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for Valid Accounts and T1566.001 for Phishing, as attackers could leverage compromised local access to escalate privileges and gain broader system access. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper privilege separation and access control implementation, reinforcing the need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting and enhanced monitoring of system calls related to KnoxService to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.