CVE-2019-2036 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In okToConnect of HidHostService.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to an incorrect state check. This could lead to remote escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android-9 Android-10Android ID: A-79703832
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2036 resides within the HidHostService.java component of Android operating systems spanning versions 8.0 through 10. This flaw manifests in the okToConnect method where an inadequate state verification mechanism permits unauthorized privilege escalation. The vulnerability falls under the category of permission bypass, representing a critical security weakness that could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges without requiring additional execution permissions or user interaction. The affected Android versions include Android 8.0, 8.1, 9, and 10, making this a widespread issue across multiple Android releases. The Android ID A-79703832 specifically tracks this vulnerability within Google's internal tracking system, indicating its significance in the Android security ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a flawed state validation check within the HidHostService class that manages HID (Human Interface Device) host functionality. When the okToConnect method evaluates connection requests, it fails to properly verify the device state before granting access permissions. This incorrect state check creates a condition where malicious actors can bypass the intended authorization flow and establish connections with HID devices without proper authentication. The flaw operates at the system level where HID host services interface with hardware components, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially allow unauthorized access to keyboard, mouse, and other input devices. This issue aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a classic example of insufficient validation of system state.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2036 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables remote exploitation without user interaction requirements. An attacker could potentially leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to HID devices, which might subsequently lead to data exfiltration, keylogging, or other malicious activities. The remote exploitation capability means that threat actors do not need physical access to the device or user interaction to trigger the vulnerability, making it particularly concerning for mobile devices where users may not be aware of such attacks. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation suggests that this vulnerability could be easily weaponized by attackers with minimal technical expertise, as it does not require complex code execution or privilege escalation techniques beyond the initial exploit.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2036 should prioritize immediate patch application from Google, as the vulnerability affects multiple Android versions and represents a critical security risk. Organizations and users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest Android security patches, particularly focusing on the Android 8.0 through 10 versions. System administrators should implement monitoring for unusual HID device connection patterns and consider network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation,' suggests that defensive measures should include endpoint detection and response capabilities to identify unauthorized HID device access. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all Android devices within their environments and consider implementing device management policies that enforce automatic security updates to prevent exploitation of such critical vulnerabilities.