CVE-2019-9380 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the settings UI, there is a possible spoofing vulnerability due to a missing permission check. This could lead to a user mistakenly changing permission settings with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-123700098
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-9380 represents a critical permission escalation flaw within Android's settings user interface that undermines the platform's security model. This issue resides in the Android 10 operating system and affects the core permission management system where proper authorization checks are absent. The vulnerability specifically targets the settings UI component that handles permission modifications, creating a scenario where malicious actors can manipulate system settings without requiring elevated privileges. The flaw stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that should normally verify user identity and authorization levels before allowing permission changes to be applied. This missing permission check creates a direct pathway for unauthorized modifications to system configurations that typically require additional security clearances or user consent. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the interface level where users interact with system settings, making it susceptible to social engineering attacks that could trick users into performing actions that appear legitimate but actually alter critical permission configurations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental principle of least privilege that governs Android's security architecture. When users navigate to permission settings within the Android interface, the system should verify that the requesting entity has appropriate authorization levels before applying any changes. However, the missing permission check means that unauthorized code or malicious applications can directly invoke the permission modification functions without proper authentication. This flaw operates under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically manifesting as improper access control within the user interface layer. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, which means that attackers must first gain the user's trust or trick them into performing specific actions that trigger the flawed permission modification process. The Android ID A-123700098 indicates this issue was tracked within Google's internal vulnerability management system and highlights the severity of the flaw in the context of the Android security model. The operational impact extends beyond simple permission changes as this vulnerability could potentially enable attackers to escalate their privileges or gain access to sensitive system functions that should remain restricted to authorized users.
The exploitation of this vulnerability creates significant operational risks for Android devices and their users. Attackers can leverage this flaw to modify permission settings for applications, potentially granting malicious software access to sensitive data or system resources that would normally be protected. The user interaction requirement means that while the vulnerability is more difficult to exploit automatically, it remains a serious threat as social engineering attacks can effectively manipulate users into performing the necessary actions. This vulnerability directly impacts the Android security model's integrity by allowing unauthorized modifications to permission configurations that should require explicit user consent or administrator privileges. The implications extend to the broader ATT&CK framework where this vulnerability could be categorized under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the 'Modify System Permissions' tactic. Organizations and individuals using Android 10 devices face increased risk of unauthorized access to their systems, as this vulnerability essentially allows for the bypass of core security controls that protect against unauthorized modifications to system settings. The missing permission check creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the vulnerability is patched, potentially allowing attackers to maintain access or escalate privileges over time.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9380 require immediate attention from both device manufacturers and end users. Android security patches should be installed promptly to address the missing permission validation in the settings UI, as this vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the platform's access control mechanisms. Users should be educated about the importance of verifying all permission changes and understanding when and why specific permissions are requested. Device administrators should implement additional monitoring of permission changes to detect unauthorized modifications that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix should involve implementing robust permission validation checks that verify user identity and authorization levels before allowing any permission modifications to be applied. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting or other security controls that can help prevent malicious applications from exploiting this vulnerability. Regular security audits of system interfaces should be conducted to identify similar permission validation gaps that could create comparable security risks. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous security testing practices throughout the software development lifecycle, particularly for user interface components that handle sensitive system functions. Given the nature of the flaw, it is essential that all affected Android 10 devices receive the appropriate security updates to restore proper access control mechanisms and protect against unauthorized permission modifications.