CVE-2024-34613 in Galaxy Watch
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2024
Improper access control in Galaxy Watch prior to SMR Aug-2024 Release 1 allows local attackers to access sensitive information of Galaxy watch.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-34613 represents a critical access control flaw affecting Samsung Galaxy Watch devices prior to the SMR August 2024 security release. This issue stems from inadequate permission controls within the watch operating system that fail to properly enforce access restrictions for sensitive system information. The flaw specifically impacts the device's ability to maintain proper isolation between different application contexts and system components, creating potential pathways for unauthorized data exposure.
Technical analysis reveals that the vulnerability manifests through insufficient validation of access permissions for system resources and user data. Attackers with local access to the device can exploit this weakness to bypass intended security boundaries and retrieve sensitive information that should remain protected. The flaw operates at the application level where proper authentication and authorization checks are not consistently enforced, allowing malicious or legitimate applications with appropriate privileges to access data they should not be permitted to view. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-284 which describes improper access control issues where systems fail to properly enforce access restrictions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure as it potentially enables attackers to gather personal information, health data, communication records, and other sensitive user content stored on the device. Given that smartwatches typically contain highly personal and potentially sensitive information including medical data, location tracking details, and communication logs, the implications for user privacy and security are significant. Local attackers who gain physical access to the device or have installed malicious applications can exploit this vulnerability to extract confidential information without proper authorization, potentially leading to identity theft, privacy violations, or targeted attacks based on the collected data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-34613 primarily focus on applying the security patches released by Samsung as part of their SMR August 2024 update. Users should immediately install the latest firmware updates available for their Galaxy Watch models to address this vulnerability. System administrators and security teams should prioritize deployment of these patches across all affected devices within their organization. Additionally, monitoring for unusual access patterns or unauthorized application installations can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security updates and proper access control mechanisms in embedded systems and IoT devices. Organizations should implement robust patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security fixes and consider conducting security assessments of wearable devices within their environments. This issue also highlights the need for proper input validation and access control implementation in mobile operating systems, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through proper system access controls.