CVE-2019-13707 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient validation of untrusted input in intents in Google Chrome on Android prior to 78.0.3904.70 allowed a local attacker to leak files via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-13707 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome for Android systems prior to version 78.0.3904.70. This issue stems from inadequate validation of untrusted input within Android intents, creating a pathway for local attackers to exploit the system's intent handling mechanisms. The flaw specifically targets the Android operating system's inter-application communication framework where intents serve as messages facilitating data exchange between different applications. When Chrome processes intents from untrusted sources without proper validation, it fails to adequately sanitize the input parameters that define the intent's behavior and target destinations. This insufficient validation creates a dangerous condition where malicious applications can craft specially designed intents that manipulate Chrome's file access capabilities.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves a local attacker who can install a malicious application on the same device as Chrome. Through careful crafting of intent parameters, the attacker can leverage Chrome's intent handling to access files that should normally be protected or restricted. The flaw essentially allows for unauthorized file enumeration and potential data exfiltration from the device. The vulnerability operates at the system level where Android's intent resolution mechanism fails to properly verify the legitimacy and safety of incoming intent data. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation that enables privilege escalation through the intent system, which is fundamental to Android's application ecosystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive user data stored on the device. Local attackers can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to files that may contain personal information, credentials, or other sensitive data that applications typically protect. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level rather than requiring network access or complex exploitation techniques. The attack vector is simplified since the malicious application only needs to be installed locally on the device, making it more accessible to threat actors. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation" as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate system behavior through malformed inputs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-13707 primarily focus on updating Chrome to version 78.0.3904.70 or later, which includes proper intent validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all Chrome installations on Android devices receive timely updates. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of application sandboxing and proper intent handling practices within mobile operating systems. Security professionals should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce update policies and monitor for potentially malicious applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through system-level manipulation. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly benign system components like intent handling can become attack vectors when proper input validation is absent, reinforcing the principle that all system interfaces must be treated as potential attack surfaces requiring rigorous security controls.
The broader implications of this vulnerability underscore the critical need for robust input validation across all system components, particularly those handling inter-application communication. Mobile operating systems must implement comprehensive security measures to validate all incoming data from potentially untrusted sources, as demonstrated by the necessity of proper intent validation in Android systems. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that even well-established security frameworks can contain gaps when input validation is insufficient, emphasizing the importance of continuous security auditing and threat modeling. The flaw also demonstrates how local privilege escalation techniques can be achieved through manipulation of system-level components, reinforcing the need for defense-in-depth strategies that protect against both network-based and local attacks.