CVE-2019-2229 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In updateWidget of BaseWidgetProvider.java, there is a possible leak of user data due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android-9 Android-10Android ID: A-139803872
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2229 resides within the Android framework's widget system, specifically in the updateWidget method of the BaseWidgetProvider.java component. This flaw represents a critical permission bypass issue that allows unauthorized access to user data through improper access control mechanisms. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 8.0, 8.1, 9, and 10, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. The issue stems from a missing permission check that should have validated whether the requesting component has appropriate authorization to access or modify widget data, creating a potential information disclosure vector that operates without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges beyond normal application execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. This weakness allows an attacker to bypass intended access restrictions and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability operates at the system level within the Android widget framework where applications can manipulate widget components without proper authentication checks. The missing permission verification creates a path where malicious applications or processes can potentially extract sensitive information from widget data stores, leading to local information disclosure. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by any application with access to the widget provider interface, regardless of its intended purpose or security posture.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2229 extends beyond simple data leakage, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in Android's security model for widget management. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to access personal information stored within widgets, potentially including user preferences, application data, or other sensitive metadata that widgets might contain. The lack of user interaction requirement means that exploitation can occur silently in the background, making detection more difficult for end users and security monitoring systems. This vulnerability essentially undermines the sandboxing principles that Android employs to isolate applications and protect user data, creating a persistent risk that remains active as long as affected Android versions are in use.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on implementing proper permission checks and access controls within the widget framework. Android security updates addressed this issue by enforcing stricter permission validation in the updateWidget method, ensuring that only authorized components can access or modify widget data. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of security patches and updates to affected Android versions, as the vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction. Additionally, developers should conduct thorough security reviews of their widget implementations to ensure proper access control mechanisms are in place. The remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through system-level vulnerabilities, and represents a critical security gap that requires immediate attention in enterprise Android management policies and device security configurations.