Source: cve@mitre.org
The Track My Mobile feature in the SamsungDive subsystem for Android on Samsung Galaxy devices shows the activation of remote tracking, which might allow physically proximate attackers to defeat a product-recovery effort by tampering with this feature or its location data.
Samsung Galaxy devices are vulnerable to a physical attack that can disable the 'Track My Mobile' feature, hindering device recovery and potentially allowing attackers to compromise location data. This vulnerability allows an attacker with physical access to the device to manipulate the tracking feature, making it difficult to locate or recover the device after theft or loss. This could lead to data exfiltration and privacy violations.
Step 1: Physical Access: The attacker gains physical access to the targeted Samsung Galaxy device. Step 2: Feature Identification: The attacker identifies the 'Track My Mobile' feature within the SamsungDive subsystem. Step 3: Tampering with Settings: The attacker attempts to modify the settings of the 'Track My Mobile' feature. This could involve disabling the feature, changing the tracking interval, or altering the location data. Step 4: Data Manipulation: The attacker manipulates the location data stored on the device. This could involve injecting false location information or deleting location history. Step 5: Circumventing Recovery: By disabling tracking or providing false location data, the attacker prevents the legitimate user from locating or recovering the device.
The vulnerability stems from a design flaw in the SamsungDive subsystem's 'Track My Mobile' feature on Samsung Galaxy devices. The feature's activation and location data are susceptible to tampering by a physically proximate attacker. The root cause is likely a lack of robust security measures around the feature's configuration and data storage. Specifically, the system doesn't adequately protect against modification of the tracking settings or the location data itself. This could involve insecure storage of tracking settings, weak authentication for feature control, or a lack of integrity checks on location data. The absence of these security controls allows an attacker to disable tracking or provide false location information.
This vulnerability is not directly associated with any specific Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) or known malware campaigns. However, the nature of the vulnerability (physical access) makes it attractive to opportunistic attackers and those seeking to steal or compromise devices. It is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
Monitor device logs for suspicious activity related to the SamsungDive subsystem.
Analyze network traffic for unusual location data updates or communications from the device.
Examine file system integrity for modifications to configuration files related to the 'Track My Mobile' feature.
Look for evidence of unauthorized access to the device's settings or location services.
Monitor for changes in device location that are inconsistent with the user's known behavior.
Implement strong authentication and authorization mechanisms for the 'Track My Mobile' feature.
Encrypt sensitive data, including location data and configuration settings.
Implement integrity checks to ensure the validity of location data and configuration settings.
Regularly update the device's operating system and security patches.
Consider disabling the 'Track My Mobile' feature if it is not essential, or implementing a more secure alternative.
Educate users about the risks of physical access to their devices and the importance of securing their devices with strong passwords and other security measures.