CVE-2019-2005 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In onPermissionGrantResult of GrantPermissionsActivity.java, there is a possible incorrectly granted permission due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege on a locked device with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android-9Android ID: A-68777217
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2005 resides within the Android permission management system, specifically in the onPermissionGrantResult method of the GrantPermissionsActivity.java component. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that allows for potential local privilege escalation on locked devices without requiring additional execution privileges. The vulnerability stems from a missing permission check that should have validated the legitimacy of permission grant operations before proceeding with the actual permission assignment process. The affected Android versions include Android 8.0, 8.1, and 9.0, indicating this represents a widespread issue across multiple Android releases.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and specifically demonstrates a weakness in permission validation mechanisms. When an application attempts to grant permissions through the GrantPermissionsActivity, the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting entity has legitimate authority to perform such operations. This missing validation creates an attack surface where malicious actors can exploit the permission granting flow to elevate their privileges within the system. The vulnerability requires user interaction for exploitation, typically involving the manipulation of permission dialogs or the triggering of permission grant operations through crafted applications, making it particularly concerning for mobile security.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2005 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially sensitive data on locked devices. Since no additional execution privileges are required for exploitation, the vulnerability can be leveraged by applications with minimal initial access. This means that an attacker who has already gained some level of access to a device could use this vulnerability to further compromise the system, potentially gaining access to other applications, user data, or system-level functions. The requirement for user interaction suggests that social engineering or phishing attacks might be necessary to initiate the exploitation process, but once triggered, the vulnerability can provide significant system-level access.
The implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation,' and T1078, which addresses 'Valid Accounts,' as the exploitation process could allow attackers to leverage legitimate user permissions to gain elevated privileges. Organizations and users should consider implementing additional security measures such as regular Android security updates, application whitelisting, and user education regarding suspicious permission requests. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and permission checking in mobile operating systems, particularly in components that handle sensitive system operations like permission management. System administrators should prioritize patching affected Android versions and monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability in their device management systems.