CVE-2018-9432 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2024
In createPhonebookDialogView and createMapDialogView of BluetoothPermissionActivity.java, there is a possible permissions bypass. This could lead to local escalation of privilege due to hiding and bypassing the user's ability to disable access to contacts, with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9432 represents a critical permissions bypass flaw within the BluetoothPermissionActivity.java component of certain Android implementations. This vulnerability specifically affects the createPhonebookDialogView and createMapDialogView methods where the system fails to properly enforce user consent mechanisms for accessing sensitive contact data. The flaw allows malicious actors to circumvent the intended permission model by hiding the user's ability to disable access to contacts, effectively creating a backdoor for unauthorized data access. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where the user interface components responsible for requesting and managing Bluetooth permissions are improperly designed to handle user interactions and permission decisions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and permission handling within the Bluetooth permission dialog framework. When users attempt to interact with Bluetooth-related features that require access to phonebook or map data, the system fails to properly validate whether the user has explicitly granted or denied permissions. This creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the dialog presentation to hide critical permission options, making it appear as though the user has granted access when they have not actually done so. The flaw operates under CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers exploit for privilege escalation through application vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access issues as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges or root access. An attacker with physical access to a device or the ability to install malicious applications can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to contact information, location data, and potentially other sensitive user data that would normally require explicit user consent. The requirement for user interaction means that exploitation typically occurs through social engineering or by leveraging other pre-existing vulnerabilities to trick users into interacting with malicious Bluetooth prompts. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users may be less security-aware or where the device is frequently exposed to untrusted parties.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9432 should focus on implementing proper permission validation mechanisms within the Bluetooth permission dialog framework and ensuring that all user consent prompts are displayed transparently without manipulation. Organizations should deploy security patches provided by device manufacturers and ensure that all Bluetooth-related applications properly validate user permissions before accessing sensitive data. The recommended approach includes implementing robust input validation for all dialog components, ensuring that permission decisions are properly recorded and enforced, and conducting regular security audits of permission handling code. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of carefully reviewing permission requests and understanding the implications of granting access to sensitive data through Bluetooth connections.