Source: cve@mitre.org
The Track My Mobile feature in the SamsungDive subsystem for Android on Samsung Galaxy devices does not properly implement Location APIs, which allows physically proximate attackers to provide arbitrary location data via a "commonly available simple GPS location spoofer."
Samsung Galaxy devices are vulnerable to location spoofing via the 'Track My Mobile' feature, allowing attackers to provide false location data. This vulnerability enables attackers to bypass location-based security measures and potentially track users' movements, leading to privacy breaches and physical security risks.
Step 1: Preparation: The attacker obtains a 'commonly available simple GPS location spoofer' application or device. These are readily available tools that can simulate GPS signals. Step 2: Proximity: The attacker must be physically near the target Samsung Galaxy device. Step 3: Spoofing: The attacker uses the GPS spoofer to transmit false GPS coordinates. The spoofer transmits these coordinates as if they were coming from the device's GPS receiver. Step 4: Track My Mobile Activation: The target device's 'Track My Mobile' feature is enabled. This feature is designed to report the device's location. Step 5: Data Injection: The SamsungDive subsystem, due to its flawed implementation, accepts the spoofed GPS data from the spoofer without proper validation. Step 6: Location Reporting: The 'Track My Mobile' feature reports the attacker-provided, spoofed location data to the Samsung servers or other configured destinations.
The vulnerability stems from a flawed implementation of location APIs within the SamsungDive subsystem. Specifically, the system fails to adequately validate or authenticate the source of location data provided to the 'Track My Mobile' feature. This lack of proper input validation allows an attacker to inject arbitrary GPS coordinates, effectively spoofing the device's location. The root cause is a missing or inadequate check on the origin of the location data, trusting data from a 'commonly available simple GPS location spoofer' without verification. This is not a complex vulnerability like a buffer overflow or race condition, but a simple logic flaw in the API usage.
This vulnerability could be exploited by various threat actors, including those seeking to track individuals for surveillance, stalking, or theft. It could also be used in more sophisticated attacks, such as those targeting location-based services or applications. There is no specific APT group known to be targeting this vulnerability, but its simplicity makes it attractive to a wide range of attackers. The vulnerability is not listed on the CISA KEV.
Analyze location data logs for sudden, unexplained changes in location, especially if the device is stationary.
Monitor network traffic for unusual data transmissions from the device, particularly those related to location services.
Examine device logs for evidence of GPS spoofing applications or unusual GPS signal behavior.
Review the device's installed applications for any suspicious location spoofing apps.
Update the SamsungDive subsystem to a patched version that correctly validates location data sources.
Implement robust input validation to ensure that location data originates from a trusted source (e.g., the device's GPS receiver).
Require authentication and authorization for location data requests.
Consider using a location-based security solution that can detect and mitigate GPS spoofing attempts.
Educate users about the risks of location spoofing and the importance of only installing trusted applications.