CVE-2019-2199 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In createSessionInternal of PackageInstallerService.java, there is a possible permissions bypass. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-138650665
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2199 resides within the Android PackageInstallerService component, specifically in the createSessionInternal method of PackageInstallerService.java. This flaw represents a critical permissions bypass vulnerability that allows malicious applications to escalate their privileges from regular user level to system level execution. The vulnerability affects Android 10 operating system and is tracked under Android ID A-138650665, indicating its severity and the need for immediate attention from security professionals and device manufacturers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the package installation service. When createSessionInternal processes package installation requests, it fails to adequately validate the permissions of the calling application. This insufficient validation creates a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system by crafting specially crafted package installation requests that bypass normal permission checks. The vulnerability operates at the system level where it can manipulate the package installation process to gain elevated privileges, essentially allowing an application with minimal permissions to execute code with system-level privileges. This type of flaw falls under CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control, making it particularly dangerous as it undermines fundamental security boundaries within the Android operating system.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2199 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for comprehensive system compromise. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially install malicious applications with system-level privileges, modify system files, access sensitive user data, and establish persistent backdoors within the device. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation means that malicious applications can automatically leverage this vulnerability without requiring user consent or physical access to the device. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the use of local privilege escalation techniques to gain system-level access. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where mobile devices may contain sensitive corporate data, as successful exploitation could lead to complete device compromise and potential data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2199 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates, as this vulnerability requires system-level fixes that cannot be addressed through application-level workarounds. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that enforce timely security updates and monitor for any suspicious package installation activities. Network-level monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous package installation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Device administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting, restricted app installation permissions, and regular security audits of installed applications. The vulnerability's nature as a system-level privilege escalation issue makes it essential for security teams to maintain continuous monitoring of system logs and application behavior to detect any signs of exploitation attempts. Given the specific nature of this vulnerability within the PackageInstallerService component, security professionals should also review and restrict the permissions granted to applications that require package installation capabilities, implementing principle of least privilege concepts to minimize potential impact if exploitation occurs.