CVE-2019-2001 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The permissions on /proc/iomem were world-readable. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-117422211.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2001 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Android kernel's handling of memory mapping permissions. This issue specifically affects the /proc/iomem virtual file system entry which provides detailed information about the system's memory layout including physical memory addresses and their associated hardware resources. The flaw stems from improper permission settings that allowed any user process to read this sensitive information without requiring elevated privileges or specific execution rights. This represents a significant security weakness as the /proc/iomem file contains potentially sensitive data about hardware memory regions, device drivers, and system memory allocation patterns that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain insights into the underlying system architecture and potentially identify other vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the kernel's virtual file system handling where the /proc/iomem entry was configured with world-readable permissions instead of appropriate restricted access controls. This misconfiguration allows any process running on the Android device to access memory mapping information that should typically be restricted to privileged system components or root users. The vulnerability manifests as a permission flaw classified under CWE-276 which specifically addresses improper file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation makes this particularly concerning as it can be triggered automatically by any process without requiring user consent or specific attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it creates potential pathways for further exploitation within the Android security model. An attacker with access to this information could use the memory layout details to better understand system internals and potentially craft more sophisticated attacks against other system components. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation means that even unprivileged user applications can access this sensitive data, effectively bypassing traditional privilege separation mechanisms. This vulnerability directly impacts the Android kernel's security posture and could enable attackers to perform reconnaissance activities that would normally require elevated privileges, potentially leading to more serious security compromises.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2001 should focus on implementing proper access controls for the /proc/iomem virtual file system entry and ensuring that memory mapping information is only accessible to authorized system components. System administrators and device manufacturers should update to kernel versions that properly restrict permissions on /proc/iomem entries to prevent unauthorized access. The fix typically involves modifying the kernel's virtual file system implementation to enforce appropriate access controls and privilege checks before allowing read access to memory mapping information. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 which covers directory and file system discovery activities, and represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege that should be addressed through proper kernel permission management and access control enforcement mechanisms.