(Pwn2Own) Samsung Galaxy Apps Staging Mode Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Vulnerability Details

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on vulnerable installations of Samsung Galaxy Apps. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

The specific flaw exists within the handling of a staging mode. The issue lies in the ability to change the configuration based on the presence of a file in an user-controlled location. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges to resources normally protected from the application.

Additional Details

Patched with GalaxyApps v. 4.2.18.2

Disclosure Timeline

• 2017-11-05 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
• 2018-06-07 - Coordinated public release of advisory
• 2018-06-07 - Advisory Updated

Credit

MWR Labs - Alex Plaskett
James Loureiro
Robert Miller and Georgi Geshev

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