CVE-2019-9281 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In GoogleContactsSyncAdapter, there is a possible path traversal due to improper input sanitization. This could lead to a bypass of user interaction requirements with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-32748076
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9281 resides within the GoogleContactsSyncAdapter component of Android systems, specifically affecting Android 10 and earlier versions. This flaw represents a path traversal vulnerability that stems from inadequate input sanitization practices within the contact synchronization mechanism. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, which details path traversal or directory traversal attacks, where malicious input can manipulate file system access paths to gain unauthorized access to system resources or files outside of intended directories. The GoogleContactsSyncAdapter serves as a critical synchronization service that handles contact data between local storage and remote Google services, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized access to user data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate input parameters during the contact synchronization process, enabling them to traverse file system paths beyond the intended boundaries of the application's data access permissions. This flaw does not require any user interaction to exploit, meaning that an attacker can initiate the malicious path traversal without prompting user actions such as clicking links or installing applications. The vulnerability operates at the system level within the Android framework, leveraging the inherent trust placed in the GoogleContactsSyncAdapter component to execute unauthorized file system operations. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited silently in the background without any visible indicators to the user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access, potentially enabling attackers to read sensitive user contact information, access system files, or even execute arbitrary code within the context of the affected component. This represents a significant security risk for Android devices as it undermines the fundamental security model of the operating system, where applications and system components should operate within defined boundaries. The vulnerability essentially provides a bypass mechanism for user interaction requirements that would normally be necessary for certain security-sensitive operations, making it particularly concerning for enterprise and personal device security. The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to comprehensive contact data breaches, privacy violations, and potential escalation to other system components through privilege escalation vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9281 should focus on immediate system updates and patches provided by Google, as the vulnerability affects core Android components that require official security updates. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual file system access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also conducting thorough security audits of Android devices within their networks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreters, as attackers might leverage this path traversal to execute malicious code through the compromised synchronization service. Additionally, the vulnerability relates to T1078, which addresses valid accounts and legitimate credentials, as the attacker could potentially use this flaw to access user data through legitimate synchronization processes. Device administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application blacklisting, network segmentation, and enhanced monitoring of system-level file access patterns to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability across their managed devices.