CVE-2019-9374 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In CompanionDeviceManager, there is a possible bypass of user interaction requirements due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-129476618
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9374 resides within the CompanionDeviceManager component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting Android 10 and related versions. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the intended user interaction requirements for device pairing operations. The vulnerability stems from a missing permission check that should have validated whether proper user consent was obtained before allowing device pairing procedures to proceed. The CompanionDeviceManager serves as a core system service responsible for facilitating connections between Android devices and companion hardware, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. This particular vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient permission checks as classified by CWE-284, which directly relates to improper access control mechanisms within the Android security framework.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass the normal user interaction requirements that should be mandatory for device pairing operations. Typically, when a device attempts to pair with a companion device, the system requires explicit user confirmation through a graphical interface or notification prompt. However, the missing permission check in CompanionDeviceManager eliminates this crucial verification step, enabling malicious applications to programmatically establish device connections without user awareness or consent. This bypass occurs at the system level where the permission validation should have occurred, effectively creating a backdoor for privilege escalation. The vulnerability does not require any additional execution privileges or root access to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by any application with basic permissions. The attack vector operates entirely within the local system context, exploiting the trust model between system services and applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device pairing bypasses and represents a significant threat to device security and user privacy. An attacker could potentially establish unauthorized connections to Bluetooth devices, smart home appliances, or other companion hardware without user knowledge. This capability could enable data exfiltration, device manipulation, or further attack vectors where the compromised device serves as a stepping stone for additional breaches. The lack of user interaction requirement means that attacks could occur silently in the background, making detection extremely difficult for end users. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability provides a reliable method for gaining elevated privileges on the device without requiring complex exploitation techniques or additional attack surfaces. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of Android's companion device management system, potentially exposing all connected devices to unauthorized control. This issue demonstrates a critical failure in the Android security architecture where system-level protections were not properly enforced, creating a persistent threat vector that could be exploited repeatedly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9374 focus primarily on system-level patches and updates provided by Google and device manufacturers. The most effective approach involves installing the latest Android security updates that contain the necessary permission checks and validation mechanisms within the CompanionDeviceManager service. Organizations and users should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure timely deployment of security fixes. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized device pairing attempts that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Device manufacturers should review their implementation of companion device services and ensure proper permission validation is enforced at all system levels. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining strict access controls and proper permission validation within core system services, particularly those that handle device pairing and connectivity functions. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting or sandboxing measures to limit the potential impact of malicious applications that might attempt to exploit this vulnerability. This case underscores the necessity of robust security testing and code review processes for system-level components, particularly those handling user interaction and device management functions.