CVE-2019-9277 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the proc filesystem, there is a possible information disclosure due to log information disclosure. This could lead to local disclosure of app and browser activity with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-68016944
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9277 resides within the Android operating system's proc filesystem implementation, specifically addressing information disclosure concerns that arise from improper handling of log data. This flaw exists in Android 10 and represents a significant security concern as it allows local attackers with user execution privileges to access sensitive information about application and browser activities. The proc filesystem serves as a virtual filesystem that provides an interface to kernel data structures, making it a critical component for system monitoring and debugging purposes. However, the improper sanitization of log information within this filesystem creates an avenue for unauthorized data exposure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the way log information is processed and exposed through the proc filesystem interface. When applications and browser processes generate log entries, these entries contain metadata that can reveal user activity patterns, application behavior, and potentially sensitive operational details. The flaw occurs because the system fails to properly sanitize or restrict access to this log data within the proc filesystem, allowing a local user to read information that should remain confidential. This type of information disclosure vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes weaknesses related to improper information exposure, and specifically relates to the improper handling of sensitive data within system interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9277 extends beyond simple data exposure as it enables adversaries to gain insights into user behavior patterns, application usage, and potentially sensitive browsing activities. An attacker with local user privileges can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be automated and executed silently in the background. The local privilege requirement means that any user with access to the device can potentially exploit this vulnerability, whether through legitimate user access or through other attack vectors that may have already compromised the system. This information disclosure can lead to privacy violations, behavioral profiling, and potentially enable more sophisticated attacks by providing attackers with knowledge of application states and user activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9277 should focus on implementing proper access controls and data sanitization within the proc filesystem interface. Android security updates typically address such vulnerabilities by modifying the kernel's handling of log data and ensuring that sensitive information is properly restricted from unauthorized access. System administrators and device manufacturers should ensure that all Android devices are updated to the latest security patches that address this vulnerability. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which involves discovering system information through file and directory listings, as this vulnerability essentially enables unauthorized access to information that would normally be protected. Additionally, implementing proper privilege separation and access control mechanisms within the proc filesystem can help prevent unauthorized information disclosure, particularly for sensitive logging data that may contain user activity information.