CVE-2024-20805: What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2024-20805, a path traversal vulnerability affecting Samsung Mobile Devices.

Understanding CVE-2024-20805

CVE-2024-20805 is a path traversal vulnerability in the ZipCompressor component of MyFiles prior to the SMR Jan-2024 Release in Android 11 and 12, as well as version 14.5.00.21 in Android 13. This vulnerability could allow attackers to write arbitrary files on the affected devices.

What is CVE-2024-20805?

CVE-2024-20805 is classified under CWE-22, indicating an improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as a 'Path Traversal' vulnerability. The vulnerability leverages the ZipCompressor functionality in MyFiles, potentially leading to unauthorized file writing by malicious actors.

The Impact of CVE-2024-20805

The impact of CVE-2024-20805 is rated as low severity based on the CVSS v3.1 scoring system. While the vulnerability requires local access and has low complexity, it can result in the compromise of file integrity on affected Samsung Mobile Devices running specific Android versions.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-20805

This section delves into the specific technical details related to CVE-2024-20805.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in ZipCompressor of MyFiles allows attackers to bypass directory restrictions and write arbitrary files on the target system. Exploiting this flaw could potentially lead to unauthorized data manipulation and malicious file execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Samsung Mobile Devices are affected by CVE-2024-20805, particularly those running SMR Jan-2024 Release in Android 11 and 12, along with MyFiles version 14.5.00.21 in Android 13. Devices utilizing these configurations are at risk of exploitation through the identified path traversal vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2024-20805 involves manipulating the ZipCompressor feature within MyFiles to navigate outside of restricted directories and write files in unintended locations. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could execute malicious code or tamper with critical system files.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the CVE-2024-20805 vulnerability and enhance the security posture of affected systems, the following mitigation strategies and preventive measures can be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches and updates provided by Samsung Mobile to remediate the vulnerability.
Monitor file system activities for any unauthorized write operations.
Restrict access to sensitive directories to prevent unauthorized file manipulation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Implement secure coding practices to mitigate path traversal and other common security issues.
Educate users on safe file handling practices and the risks associated with path traversal vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Users of Samsung Mobile Devices affected by CVE-2024-20805 should prioritize installing the SMR Jan-2024 Release update in Android 11 and 12, as well as version 14.5.00.21 in Android 13 to address the path traversal vulnerability in the MyFiles application. Regularly updating software and firmware is crucial to maintaining a secure environment and protecting against emerging threats.