CVE-2024-34636 in Email
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2024
Use of implicit intent for sensitive communication in Samsung Email prior to version 6.1.94.2 allows local attackers to get sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-34636 represents a significant security flaw in Samsung Email applications prior to version 6.1.94.2 where the software employs implicit intents for handling sensitive communication channels. This design decision creates a dangerous attack surface that allows local malicious actors to exploit the application's intent handling mechanisms to access confidential email data and communication metadata. The issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate or secure the intent pathways used for sensitive operations, effectively creating a privilege escalation vector within the device's local environment.
Implicit intents in Android applications are those that do not explicitly specify the target component but instead rely on the system to resolve the appropriate application based on intent filters. When Samsung Email uses implicit intents for sensitive communication, it exposes the application to potential interception and manipulation by other malicious applications running on the same device. This vulnerability specifically affects the email application's ability to maintain secure communication boundaries, as the implicit intent mechanism bypasses normal security checks that would typically validate the authenticity and authorization of communicating components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential full compromise of user email accounts and associated sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this flaw to intercept email communications, access draft messages, retrieve email credentials, and potentially gain access to additional user data stored within the email application's context. The local nature of the attack means that no network connectivity or external server compromise is required, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it operates entirely within the device's local security boundaries. This aligns with CWE-254 weakness classification related to security features that are not properly implemented, specifically addressing the lack of proper access control mechanisms.
Security researchers have identified this vulnerability as particularly concerning due to its exploitation potential within the Android ecosystem's permission model. The attack vector allows for privilege escalation and data exfiltration without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges, making it an attractive target for sophisticated threat actors. The vulnerability exists in the application's intent resolution process where implicit intent handling fails to properly validate the source of incoming communication requests, creating a pathway for malicious applications to masquerade as legitimate email components and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate updating of Samsung Email to version 6.1.94.2 or later, which implements proper explicit intent handling and strengthened access controls for sensitive communication channels. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as application whitelisting, enhanced mobile device management policies, and regular security assessments of email applications. The fix addresses the underlying intent handling mechanism by enforcing explicit component targeting and implementing proper validation checks that prevent unauthorized applications from intercepting or manipulating sensitive email communications. This remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 related to command and scripting interpreter usage, as it prevents the exploitation of application-level vulnerabilities that could enable further malicious activities through compromised email channels.