CVE-2019-2197 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In processPhonebookAccess of CachedBluetoothDevice.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to an insecure default value. This could lead to local information disclosure of the user's contact list with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android-9 Android-10Android ID: A-138529441
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2197 resides within the Bluetooth implementation of Android operating systems, specifically affecting versions 8.0 through 10. This flaw exists in the CachedBluetoothDevice.java file within the processPhonebookAccess method, representing a critical security oversight that undermines the platform's permission model. The vulnerability stems from an insecure default value that fails to properly validate access controls for phonebook data, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms within software systems. The flaw manifests when the Bluetooth subsystem processes phonebook access requests without adequately verifying whether the requesting application possesses proper permissions to access contact information. This insecure default configuration allows malicious applications to bypass the standard permission checking procedures that should normally prevent unauthorized access to sensitive user data. The vulnerability requires no additional privileges beyond those already granted to the malicious application, making it particularly dangerous as it exploits existing trust relationships within the system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to user privacy and data security. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain access to users' complete contact lists without requiring any special privileges or complex exploitation techniques. The requirement for user interaction suggests that social engineering or phishing attacks may be needed to initially install the malicious application, but once present, the vulnerability can be exploited repeatedly to access sensitive contact information. This type of information disclosure can lead to identity theft, social engineering attacks, and broader privacy violations that compromise user trust in the Android platform. The impact extends beyond individual users to potentially affect enterprise environments where Bluetooth connectivity is prevalent.
The security implications of CVE-2019-2197 align with several ATT&CK tactics including T1059 for execution through potentially compromised applications and T1046 for network service discovery. This vulnerability operates at the system level where Bluetooth services interact with user data, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across multiple Android versions. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected Android versions, implementation of enhanced application sandboxing, and regular security audits of Bluetooth-related services. Organizations should also consider network monitoring for unusual Bluetooth activity patterns and implement user education programs to recognize potential social engineering attempts that could lead to exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation in mobile operating systems and serves as a reminder of the critical need to validate all data access requests within system services.