CVE-2018-9469 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2024
In multiple functions of ShortcutService.java, there is a possible creation of a spoofed shortcut due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege in a privileged app with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9469 resides within the ShortcutService.java component of Android systems, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the application shortcut creation mechanism. This issue manifests in multiple functions where the system fails to properly validate permission levels before allowing shortcut creation operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to exploit the privilege escalation mechanism. The vulnerability specifically targets the Android operating system's shortcut management service, which is designed to allow applications to create and manage shortcuts for other applications or system functions, but lacks proper authorization verification steps.
The technical flaw stems from the absence of mandatory permission checks within the ShortcutService.java implementation, particularly in functions that handle shortcut creation and modification operations. When an application attempts to create a shortcut, the system should verify that the requesting entity possesses the appropriate privileges to perform such an operation, especially when dealing with system-level shortcuts or those that could potentially affect other applications. This missing validation allows any application with basic execution privileges to create shortcuts that appear to originate from privileged system components or other high-privilege applications, effectively enabling the creation of spoofed shortcuts that can deceive users and potentially execute malicious code with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited through user interaction. Attackers can craft malicious shortcuts that mimic legitimate system shortcuts or those from trusted applications, tricking users into clicking on them and thereby executing unauthorized code with elevated privileges. This exploit requires user interaction to be successful, meaning that the attacker must first gain access to the device or convince the user to install a malicious application that can create these spoofed shortcuts. The vulnerability essentially allows for a form of social engineering combined with technical exploitation, where the attack surface is expanded by the ability to create convincing false shortcuts that bypass normal permission checks.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in Android security architecture. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of legitimate system tools and services to gain elevated access. The exploitation chain typically involves an initial compromise through a malicious application that can create shortcuts, followed by user interaction to trigger the malicious shortcut execution. Organizations and users must consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where privileged applications are frequently used or where mobile device security is paramount. The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate system updates, implementation of application whitelisting policies, and enhanced user security awareness training to prevent accidental interaction with malicious shortcuts.