CVE-2019-15438 : Security Advisory and Response

The Samsung XCover4 Android device contains a vulnerability that allows pre-installed apps to perform app installation through an accessible app component.

Understanding CVE-2019-15438

What is CVE-2019-15438?

The Samsung XCover4 Android device, identified by a specific build fingerprint, has a pre-installed application that enables other pre-installed apps to install apps through an accessible component.

The Impact of CVE-2019-15438

This vulnerability could potentially allow malicious apps to exploit the app installation functionality, leading to unauthorized app installations and potential security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-15438

Vulnerability Description

The pre-installed application com.samsung.android.themecenter on the Samsung XCover4 device allows other pre-installed apps to perform app installations through an accessible app component.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Samsung XCover4 Android device
Version: com.samsung.android.themecenter versionCode=7000100, versionName=7.0.1.0

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, a pre-installed app on the device must have the necessary signatureOrSystem permissions required by other pre-installed apps to share capabilities.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Monitor app installations and permissions on the device.
Regularly review and update app permissions.
Be cautious when installing apps from unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement app whitelisting to control app installations.
Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by Samsung to address this vulnerability.