CVE-2019-2114 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the default privileges of NFC, there is a possible local bypass of user interaction requirements on package installation due to a default permission. This could lead to local escalation of privilege by installing an application with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android-9Android ID: A-123700348
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2114 resides within the Android operating system's NFC (Near Field Communication) implementation and represents a significant security flaw in the default privilege model. This issue affects Android versions 8.0, 8.1, and 9, where the default permission settings for NFC functionality create an exploitable condition that allows local attackers to bypass user interaction requirements during package installation processes. The vulnerability specifically targets the default privilege configuration that governs how NFC operations are handled within the Android security framework, creating a pathway for unauthorized application installation without the typical user consent mechanisms that would normally be required.
The technical flaw manifests through a default permission misconfiguration that permits NFC-based package installations to proceed without the standard user interaction prompts that would normally be required for such operations. This misconfiguration effectively allows an attacker with local access to install malicious applications without requiring additional execution privileges or user consent, exploiting the inherent trust model of NFC operations. The vulnerability stems from the Android system's assumption that NFC-based installations should proceed with minimal user verification, which creates an attack surface where malicious actors can leverage NFC capabilities to escalate privileges locally. This default permission setting essentially removes the security boundary that normally separates trusted NFC operations from potentially harmful package installations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to install malicious applications silently without user awareness or consent. This local privilege escalation capability allows adversaries to potentially install malware, backdoors, or other malicious software that could persist on the device and potentially escalate to system-level access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the trusted NFC subsystem, making it difficult for users to detect malicious activity. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by crafting NFC tags or communications that trigger the vulnerable installation process, bypassing the normal security checks that would typically require user interaction to confirm application installation. This creates a persistent threat vector that could be exploited through various NFC-based attack scenarios, including malicious tag placement or compromised NFC-enabled devices.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in Android's security architecture. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques under the T1068 category, specifically leveraging system-level access through improper permission handling. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires only local access and does not necessitate network connectivity or remote attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical access to devices is possible. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper permission modeling in mobile operating systems, where default configurations can inadvertently create security holes that bypass normal user interaction requirements. The Android ID A-123700348 assigned to this vulnerability indicates its classification within Google's internal vulnerability tracking system and underscores the significance of addressing default permission configurations in mobile security frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2114 should focus on updating Android devices to versions that address the default permission configuration issue, as well as implementing proper NFC security policies that require explicit user interaction for package installations. Organizations should consider disabling NFC functionality when not required, implementing network-level controls to monitor NFC communications, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar permission misconfigurations. The vulnerability highlights the need for comprehensive security reviews of default permission settings in mobile operating systems, emphasizing that seemingly benign features like NFC can create significant security risks when not properly configured. Users should be educated about the risks associated with NFC-based operations and the importance of verifying application installations, particularly when using NFC-enabled devices in potentially compromised environments.