CVE-2019-2113 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In setup wizard there is a bypass of some checks when wifi connection is skipped. This could lead to factory reset protection bypass with no additional privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android. Versions: Android-9. Android ID: A-122597079.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2113 resides within the Android setup wizard implementation, specifically targeting the factory reset protection mechanism that is designed to prevent unauthorized device access following a factory reset. This flaw manifests when users skip the wifi connection step during the initial device setup process, creating an exploitable condition that undermines the security controls intended to protect devices from unauthorized use. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the Android security model as it allows an attacker to bypass factory reset protection without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction, effectively undermining the device's security posture from the moment of initial provisioning.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation checks within the setup wizard component that governs the device provisioning process. When wifi connection is skipped, the system fails to properly verify that all required security prerequisites have been met before allowing the device to proceed with the setup process. This design flaw creates a path where the factory reset protection mechanisms can be circumvented through a simple configuration change during setup, bypassing the normal security checks that would typically validate user credentials and device ownership. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 Access Control Bypass, which specifically addresses situations where access control mechanisms fail to properly restrict access to protected resources or functions. The setup wizard component in Android operates under the assumption that all necessary security checks have been completed, but this assumption proves false when wifi connection is skipped, creating an attack surface that allows unauthorized bypass of security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2113 is significant as it enables attackers to completely bypass factory reset protection mechanisms that are fundamental to Android's security architecture. This vulnerability allows unauthorized users to gain access to devices that have been factory reset or are otherwise protected by the standard security mechanisms, effectively neutralizing the protection that should prevent unauthorized access to device data and functionality. The lack of user interaction requirement means that exploitation can occur automatically without any user consent or awareness, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers who have physical access to devices or who can remotely influence the setup process. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1490, which covers "Inhibit System Recovery" and can be used to bypass security controls that are designed to prevent unauthorized access to systems. This weakness could be exploited in various scenarios including stolen device recovery, corporate device management issues, or malicious attacks where an attacker seeks to access device data without proper authorization.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from device manufacturers and system administrators who must ensure that proper security checks are enforced regardless of user configuration choices during the setup process. The recommended approach involves implementing mandatory validation checks that cannot be bypassed by skipping wifi connection steps, ensuring that all security prerequisites are met before allowing the setup wizard to complete the provisioning process. Android security updates should enforce strict validation of setup conditions to prevent the bypass of factory reset protection mechanisms. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for any unauthorized device access attempts that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability, and implement proper device management policies that include regular security assessments. The fix should be implemented at the system level within the setup wizard component to ensure that all security controls are properly enforced, regardless of user choices during the initial provisioning process, thereby preventing the bypass of critical security mechanisms that protect device integrity and user data.