CVE-2019-2175 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In checkAccess of SliceManagerService.java in Android 9, there is a possible permissions check bypass due to incorrect order of arguments. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2175 resides within the SliceManagerService.java component of Android 9 operating systems, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the platform's permission model. This issue specifically affects the checkAccess method where a fundamental logical error occurs in the argument ordering during permission validation processes. The flaw manifests as a permissions check bypass that allows malicious applications to escalate their privileges locally without requiring any additional execution privileges or elevated permissions. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it operates entirely within the system's core framework, leveraging the inherent trust relationships between system components to achieve unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a simple but critical programming error where the arguments passed to the permission checking function are ordered incorrectly, causing the system to evaluate the wrong set of permissions or conditions. This misordering effectively nullifies the intended access controls, allowing unauthorized entities to bypass the normal security checks that should prevent privilege escalation. The flaw operates at the system service level, where SliceManagerService acts as an intermediary for managing slice-based user interface components, making it a prime target for exploitation. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues, specifically those involving inadequate permission checking mechanisms. The attack vector requires user interaction, meaning that an application must first be installed or executed by the user before the exploit can be triggered, though once initiated, it can operate with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2175 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a foundational weakness in Android's security architecture that could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system functions and data. This vulnerability could potentially allow malicious actors to access protected system resources, modify critical system components, or even install additional malicious software with elevated privileges. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious application that leverages the incorrect argument order to bypass the intended permission checks, subsequently gaining access to system-level functionality that should normally be restricted to authorized processes. Security researchers have classified this issue as a local privilege escalation vulnerability, which aligns with ATT&CK framework technique T1068 that focuses on local privilege escalation through system weaknesses. The vulnerability's presence in Android 9 makes it particularly concerning as this version was widely deployed across numerous devices, potentially exposing millions of users to unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2175 primarily involve applying the official security patches released by Google as part of their regular security updates for Android 9. Users should ensure their devices receive the latest security updates, particularly those addressing the SliceManagerService component. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across enterprise environments and monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, enabling security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous privilege escalation behaviors, and maintaining comprehensive system logs for forensic analysis. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and automatically apply security updates to managed devices. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper argument ordering in security-critical code sections and serves as a reminder of how seemingly minor coding errors can result in severe security implications. According to industry best practices and security frameworks, this type of vulnerability should be addressed through comprehensive code review processes that specifically examine permission checking logic and argument validation procedures.