CVE-2019-2117 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In checkQueryPermission of TelephonyProvider.java, there is a possible disclosure of secure data due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local information disclosure about carrier systems with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android. Versions: Android-7.0 Android-7.1.1 Android-7.1.2 Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android-9. Android ID: A-124107808.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-2117 resides within the Android telephony framework, specifically in the TelephonyProvider.java component where the checkQueryPermission method fails to properly validate permissions before allowing data access. This represents a critical security flaw that allows unauthorized access to sensitive carrier information without requiring any special privileges or user interaction. The issue stems from a missing permission check that should have been implemented to prevent unauthorized data disclosure, creating a pathway for malicious actors to extract confidential information about cellular network operations and configurations.
The technical implementation flaw occurs at the permission validation layer within the Android telephony provider system where the checkQueryPermission method does not adequately verify whether requesting applications possess the necessary authorization to access sensitive telephony data. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically addressing insufficient permission checks that enable unauthorized information disclosure. The flaw exists across multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9.0, indicating a widespread issue affecting a significant portion of Android devices that were in use during the affected time period. The Android ID A-124107808 confirms this as an officially recognized security issue within Google's internal tracking system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to carrier-specific data that could reveal network configurations, subscriber information, and potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. The lack of requirement for user interaction makes this particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any end-user involvement. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as the disclosure could enable attackers to gather intelligence for further exploitation. The local information disclosure aspect means that any application with access to the telephony provider interface could potentially exploit this weakness, making it a significant threat to device security and user privacy.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2117 involve implementing proper permission validation checks within the TelephonyProvider.java component to ensure that all data access requests undergo adequate authorization verification. System administrators and device manufacturers should ensure that all affected Android versions receive timely security updates, as Google released patches for this vulnerability in their regular security bulletins. The fix requires strengthening the checkQueryPermission method to properly validate application permissions before allowing access to sensitive telephony data. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual patterns of telephony data access that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of Android applications and system components should be conducted to identify similar permission validation gaps. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of system components that handle sensitive user data, particularly in mobile operating systems where applications have varying levels of system access privileges.