CVE-2019-9461 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the Android kernel in VPN routing there is a possible information disclosure. This could lead to remote information disclosure by an adjacent network attacker with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9461 resides within the Android kernel's implementation of Virtual Private Network routing mechanisms, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that affects the core network security infrastructure of mobile devices. This vulnerability specifically targets the kernel-level handling of network routing decisions when VPN services are active, creating a pathway for unauthorized data exposure that can be exploited without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges beyond network access. The flaw exists in the kernel's network stack implementation where routing decisions are processed and maintained, allowing attackers to potentially extract sensitive routing information that could reveal network topology, destination addresses, or other confidential data flows.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of network routing table entries within the kernel's VPN subsystem, where insufficient validation or sanitization occurs during routing decision processing. Attackers positioned within the same network segment can exploit this weakness to observe and potentially extract routing information that should remain confidential within the kernel's secure processing environment. The vulnerability manifests through network packet analysis and manipulation techniques that can intercept routing updates or query routing tables directly, bypassing normal security boundaries that should protect routing information from unauthorized access. This type of flaw typically falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and represents a specific implementation weakness in the kernel's network processing stack that violates fundamental security principles of information hiding and access control.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9461 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including network reconnaissance, traffic analysis, and potential escalation of privileges within the device's network security framework. An adjacent network attacker can leverage this vulnerability to map network topology, identify target systems, and gather intelligence that could facilitate further attacks against the device or network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability without user interaction makes it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically by network-based attacks, potentially allowing attackers to continuously monitor and extract routing information without detection. This type of attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK techniques involving network sniffing and information gathering, where adversaries can use the extracted information to plan more targeted attacks against the device or network environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate kernel-level patches that address the routing table processing logic and implement proper access controls for routing information. Device manufacturers and system administrators should prioritize applying security updates that correct the kernel's handling of VPN routing decisions and ensure proper isolation of routing information from unauthorized network access. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be implemented to detect anomalous routing behavior or unauthorized access attempts to routing tables, while also considering the deployment of network-level firewalls that can limit adjacent network access to critical system functions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of kernel security hardening and proper input validation in network subsystems, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing of kernel components that handle sensitive network information flows. Organizations should also implement continuous monitoring for suspicious network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts and maintain updated threat intelligence on similar vulnerabilities in kernel networking components.