CVE-2019-2233 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In getUserCount and getCount of UserSwitcherController.java, there is possible new user creation due to a logic error. This could lead to local escalation of privilege for an attacker who has physical access to the device with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-140486529
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2233 resides within the Android operating system's UserSwitcherController.java component, specifically affecting the getUserCount and getCount methods. This flaw represents a critical logic error that undermines the system's user management controls, creating potential pathways for unauthorized privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by attackers who possess physical access to affected devices without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it especially dangerous in environments where devices may be left unattended or accessible to unauthorized individuals.
The technical flaw manifests in how the system handles user count verification processes within the UserSwitcherController, which is responsible for managing user switching functionality in Android devices. When these methods are invoked, the logic error allows for unintended creation of new user accounts, effectively bypassing the normal user management controls that should prevent unauthorized account creation. This logical inconsistency creates a persistent vulnerability that can be leveraged to establish additional user accounts with elevated privileges, potentially enabling attackers to gain deeper system access than originally intended by the device's security architecture.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability significantly weakens the device's security posture by providing a mechanism for local privilege escalation without requiring any special privileges or complex exploitation techniques. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it only requires physical access to the device, eliminating the need for network-based attacks or complex social engineering. The vulnerability affects Android 10 and potentially earlier versions, representing a substantial risk to users who may have their devices accessible to unauthorized individuals in public or shared environments. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly stealthy and difficult to detect, as it can be exploited automatically upon device access without any visible user prompts or warnings.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through system weaknesses. Organizations and users should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched Android versions, implementing strong physical security measures for devices, and monitoring for unauthorized user account creation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation in system-level components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of user management functions to prevent such logic errors that can lead to privilege escalation opportunities. Device manufacturers and security teams should prioritize patch deployment and consider implementing additional monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized user account creation attempts.