CVE-2019-9272 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In WiFi, there is a possible leak of WiFi state due to a permissions bypass. This could lead to a local information disclosure which could be used to determine device location with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-11596047
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
This vulnerability resides within the Android Wi-Fi subsystem and represents a critical permissions bypass flaw that allows unauthorized information disclosure. The issue stems from insufficient access controls within the Wi-Fi state management components, enabling malicious applications to extract sensitive location-related data without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges. The vulnerability affects Android 10 and is identified by the Android ID A-11596047, highlighting its significance within the platform's security architecture.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of proper permission validation when accessing Wi-Fi state information, particularly data that could reveal device location through network scanning and connection patterns. Attackers can exploit this bypass to obtain information about nearby Wi-Fi networks, signal strengths, and connection history that collectively enable location determination. This occurs through direct access to internal Wi-Fi state variables that should be restricted to system-level components only. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and represents a classic example of privilege escalation through insufficient authorization checks.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9272 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables precise location tracking without user consent or awareness. An attacker with malicious applications installed on a device can continuously monitor Wi-Fi network information to triangulate device location, creating significant privacy concerns. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates silently in the background, requiring no user interaction or additional execution privileges for exploitation. This makes it an attractive target for persistent surveillance and tracking operations, as the attack vector is both stealthy and effective.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access controls and permission validation within the Wi-Fi subsystem. Android security patches should enforce stricter authorization checks for Wi-Fi state access, ensuring that only system-level components can retrieve sensitive network information. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious application behavior and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized access to Wi-Fi state information. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of principle of least privilege implementation and highlights how seemingly minor permission gaps can lead to significant privacy and security implications. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous Wi-Fi state access patterns and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts.