CVE-2009-2348 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Android 1.5 CRBxx allows local users to bypass the (1) Manifest.permission.CAMERA (aka android.permission.CAMERA) and (2) Manifest.permission.AUDIO_RECORD (aka android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO) configuration settings by installing and executing an application that does not make a permission request before using the camera or microphone.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2021
This vulnerability in Android 1.5 CRBxx represents a critical security flaw in the platform's permission enforcement mechanisms that directly violates fundamental security principles outlined in the CWE-254 category. The issue stems from the operating system's failure to properly validate permission requests before granting access to sensitive hardware components. Specifically, the vulnerability allows local users to circumvent the Manifest.permission.CAMERA and Manifest.permission.AUDIO_RECORD permissions by installing applications that do not explicitly request these permissions during installation but instead attempt to access camera and microphone functionality at runtime.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a significant gap in Android's security model where the system relies on pre-installation permission declarations rather than runtime verification of access rights. This creates an exploitable condition where malicious applications can bypass the permission system entirely by simply not declaring the required permissions in their manifest files. The vulnerability essentially undermines the principle of least privilege and permission-based access control that forms the foundation of mobile security architectures. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute unauthorized surveillance activities, capture audio and visual data without user consent, and potentially access sensitive information that should be protected by explicit permission requirements.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes users to serious privacy and security risks that align with ATT&CK technique T1056.001 for Input Capture and T1056.002 for Credential Access. The ability to bypass camera and audio recording permissions means that malicious applications can perform covert surveillance, capture sensitive conversations, and gather personal data without user awareness or consent. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level and affects core security mechanisms that are expected to protect user privacy and device integrity. The flaw essentially transforms the permission system from a protective barrier into a mere suggestion, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive device capabilities.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and the underlying architectural flaw in Android's permission handling. System administrators and security professionals should implement comprehensive application vetting processes that enforce proper permission declarations and monitor for suspicious behavior patterns. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of installing applications from untrusted sources and the importance of reviewing application permissions before installation. The vulnerability highlights the need for robust runtime permission checking mechanisms and reinforces the importance of proper security architecture design that prevents privilege escalation through permission bypass techniques. Organizations should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can detect and prevent the execution of potentially malicious applications that attempt to exploit this vulnerability. The remediation approach should also include regular security updates and patches to address the fundamental flaw in the permission enforcement system, ensuring that future applications properly validate access rights before utilizing sensitive hardware components.