CVE-2019-9280 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In keyguard, there is a possible escalation of privilege due to improper permission checks. This could lead to a local bypass of the keyguard under limited circumstances, with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-119322269
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9280 resides within the Android keyguard component, representing a critical security flaw that enables potential privilege escalation. This issue stems from inadequate permission validation mechanisms within the system's authentication framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent the device's security controls. The vulnerability specifically affects Android 10 operating systems and is catalogued under Android ID A-119322269, highlighting its significance within the mobile security landscape.
The technical flaw manifests through improper permission checks that should normally validate user credentials and system access rights before granting elevated privileges. When these validation mechanisms fail, an attacker with local execution privileges can exploit this weakness to bypass the keyguard protection layer. The vulnerability requires only user-level execution privileges to be exploited, eliminating the need for additional user interaction or complex attack vectors. This characteristic significantly lowers the barrier to exploitation while maintaining the potential for serious security consequences.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a dangerous scenario where unauthorized access to protected device functions becomes possible through a relatively simple attack vector. The keyguard serves as the primary defense mechanism against unauthorized device access, particularly when devices are locked or in standby mode. When this protection is compromised, it potentially exposes all data stored on the device, including personal information, applications, and sensitive business data. The local nature of the bypass means that an attacker does not need network connectivity or physical access to the device to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where mobile devices contain critical corporate information.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control mechanisms, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privilege escalation vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Google, monitoring for suspicious local execution activities, and reviewing device access policies to minimize the attack surface. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing device encryption and additional authentication layers to provide defense-in-depth against potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of robust permission validation in mobile operating systems and highlights the need for continuous security auditing of core system components.