CVE-2019-2018 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In resetPasswordInternal of DevicePolicyManagerService.java, there is a possible bypass of password reset protection due to an unusual root cause. Remote user interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-8.1 Android-9Android ID: A-110172241
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2018 resides within the Android operating system's DevicePolicyManagerService component, specifically in the resetPasswordInternal method. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that could allow unauthorized users to circumvent established password reset protections. The vulnerability affects Android versions 8.1 and 9, making it a widespread concern across multiple Android releases. The issue stems from an unusual root cause that enables a bypass of the intended security controls designed to protect device passwords during reset operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in how the DevicePolicyManagerService handles password reset operations, particularly when dealing with internal password management processes. When a user attempts to reset a device password, the system should enforce strict security checks to prevent unauthorized access. However, the vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the reset process in a way that bypasses these critical security controls. This bypass occurs during the internal password reset handling mechanism, where the system fails to properly validate the reset request or enforce the necessary authentication requirements. The flaw specifically relates to the resetPasswordInternal method which should validate that the password reset request originates from an authorized source and meets all required security criteria before proceeding with the reset operation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a serious risk for Android devices that rely on device policy management for security enforcement. The requirement for remote user interaction means that attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability through network-based attacks or by tricking users into performing specific actions that trigger the flawed password reset process. The impact extends beyond simple password bypass as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to protected device functionality, potentially leading to complete device compromise. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and could allow attackers to escalate their privileges within the device environment. The security implications are particularly concerning given that device policy management is often used to enforce corporate security policies and protect sensitive data on mobile devices.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and represents a clear case of insufficient authorization checks during critical system operations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1543.003 (Create or Modify System Process) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as it could enable attackers to modify system password policies or gain access through compromised authentication mechanisms. Organizations using Android devices for enterprise security should be particularly concerned about this vulnerability, as it could allow attackers to bypass device management policies that are designed to protect corporate data. The remediation process requires immediate patching of affected Android versions, but organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring and access controls to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should review their current device policy configurations and ensure that additional layers of protection are in place to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and authorization checks in system-level components, particularly those involved in security-critical operations such as password management and device policy enforcement.