CVE-2018-15835 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Android 1.0 through 9.0 has Insecure Permissions. The Android bug ID is 77286983.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15835 represents a critical security flaw in Android operating systems ranging from version 1.0 through 9.0, specifically addressing insecure permissions that expose devices to potential exploitation. This issue stems from improper permission handling mechanisms within the Android framework, creating pathways for malicious applications to gain unauthorized access to system resources and user data. The Android bug ID 77286983 indicates this was tracked as a significant security concern within Google's internal bug tracking system, highlighting the severity of the permission model weaknesses that existed across multiple Android versions.
The technical flaw manifests in how Android applications request and receive permissions, where the system fails to properly validate or enforce permission boundaries between different application components and system services. This insecure permission model allows applications to potentially bypass normal security checks that should prevent them from accessing sensitive data or system functions. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious applications that leverage the flawed permission handling to escalate privileges, access restricted system areas, or perform unauthorized operations that should be prohibited by the Android security model. The vulnerability particularly affects applications that rely on system-level permissions, creating opportunities for privilege escalation attacks that can compromise the entire device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect large-scale deployments in enterprise and consumer environments. Mobile devices running affected Android versions become susceptible to various attack vectors including data theft, unauthorized system modifications, and persistent backdoor access. The widespread adoption of Android versions 1.0 through 9.0 means that numerous devices across different manufacturers and carriers remain vulnerable, creating a substantial attack surface for threat actors. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack methods including malicious app installation, social engineering campaigns, or supply chain attacks that target the permission handling mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-15835 primarily focus on immediate system updates and security patches provided by Google and device manufacturers. Organizations should prioritize updating all Android devices to the latest available versions that contain fixes for the insecure permissions issue, while also implementing robust mobile device management policies that can enforce security configurations. Network security teams should monitor for suspicious application behavior and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized apps from exploiting the permission flaws. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through insecure permissions. Security professionals should also consider implementing additional monitoring controls to detect unauthorized permission changes or suspicious access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be leveraged for persistent access to compromised devices.